Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a gaming and entertainment destination located in Charles Town, West Virginia. The casino, which opened in 1994, features a wide range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and live thoroughbred horse racing.

Owned and operated by Penn National Gaming, Inc., Hollywood Casino is one of the largest and most popular West Virginia casinos in the region. With over 5,000 slot machines and over 100 table games, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offers something for everyone. The casino also features a variety of dining options, including several restaurants, bars, and lounges.

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Main Attractions

One of the main attractions at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is the live thoroughbred horse racing. The casino’s racetrack, which is known as the “Charlestown Races,” hosts live races throughout the year, and is one of the premier horse racing venues in the country. The racetrack also features a number of special events and promotions, including live music performances, family-friendly activities, and special racing events.

In addition to the casino and racetrack, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races also offers a variety of entertainment options. The casino’s Event Center regularly hosts concerts and other live entertainment, featuring performances by some of the biggest names in music. The casino also offers a number of other amenities, including a fitness center, a pool, and a spa.

  • Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is located in the heart of Charles Town, and is easily accessible from nearby cities and towns.
  • The casino is located just off of I-81, and is within easy driving distance of cities like Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Pittsburgh.
  • With its convenient location and wide range of gaming and entertainment options, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a popular destination for visitors from across the region.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races is a gaming and entertainment destination that offers something for everyone!
Here are some popular questions about Charles Town Races Casino:

Does Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offer roulette?

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A few more fun facts about Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races:
  1. Founded by Albert and Joseph Boyle as Jefferson County Races, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races became America’s first winter race meet upon its opening in December 1933.
  2. The Boyles spent $160,000 to build the facility (a huge sum during the height of the Great Depression) believing that it would draw large crowds due to it being the only northern track to hold races during the winter season, and they were right. 
  3. The facility attracted many notable guests, including J. Edgar Hoover, who was a regular visitor, and John F. Kennedy during his campaign for Presidency.
  4. The racetrack was sold to Shenandoah Corporation in 1972. Shenandoah Corporation also owned Shenandoah Downs, which was Charles Town Races only competitor. After the closure of Shenandoah Downs in 1975, year-round racing was moved to Charles Town.
  5. During the 1990s, purses fell, leading to dwindling attendance and fewer high-caliber horses. The track’s future was in serious doubt, and many observers feared the facility would close for good. Then, during the fall of 1996, voters approved video lottery machines at Charles Town. 
  6. Shortly after, Penn National Gaming (now Penn Entertainment) agreed to purchase the facility in 1997, and immediately began a $175,000,000 upgrade of the venue. 
  7. These upgrades included the addition of simulcast racing, numerous dining options, and 3,500 slot machines. Table games were also added in 2010, along with an event center for live concerts and shows.
Address: 750 Hollywood Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414, United States
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 4AM
Phone: +1 800-795-7001

DIRECTIONS to Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races:

Directions from Baltimore, Maryland: Take I-95 South toward Washington and take Exit 49B to I-695 West toward I-70 West/Towson. Merge onto I-695 North. Take exit 16-16A-16B to merge onto I-70 West toward Frederick. Stay on I-70 West and take Exit 52 to merge onto US-15 South/US-340 West. Continue onto WV-51 and turn right onto Hollywood Drive. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races will be on the right.

Directions from Washington, D.C.: Take I-66 West to VA-267 West, following signs for Dulles Airport/I-495 North/Baltimore. Keep right at the fork to stay on VA-267 West, following signs for I-495. Take Exit 1A to merge onto US-15 South/VA-7 West/Leesburg Bypass toward Leesburg/Warrenton. Take the exit toward Round Hill and merge onto VA-7 Bus W, turn right onto Evening Star Drive, right onto Sate Route 719, left onto State Route 751 and left onto VA-9 West. VA-9 West turns into WV-9 West, follow that to State Highway 9/WV-9. Turn right toward Flowing Springs Road, right at the first cross street, take the 2nd exit in the traffic circle onto East 5th Avenue and turn left onto Hollywood Drive. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races will be on the right.