The Meadows Casino Review

The Meadows, a racino in Pennsylvania, is situated in North Shabone township, just 25 miles south of Pittsburgh. Owned by Penn National Gaming, this venue features a harness racing track and casino. Guests can easily access the nearby Hyatt Place, part of the prestigious Hyatt hotel family, via a short walk on a footbridge or shuttle bus.

By the end of 2021, The Meadows will be one of four Pennsylvania gambling properties owned by Penn, a company based in Wyomissing, PA. The casino offers both an online casino and an online sportsbook through the Barstool Sports app.

The Meadows online casinos

The Meadows is affiliated with three online casinos.

There are three online casinos available: Hollywood, BetMGM, and the newest addition, Barstool Sports.

While none of them are specifically under the Meadows’ license, the Meadows does operate with three skins from other Penn locations. This includes Hollywood Morgantown, which is not scheduled to open until the end of the year, and Hollywood, which is affiliated with Hollywood Casino in Grantville’s license.

Bartsool Sportsbook operates under the Grantville license for sports betting, and they also have the BetMGM online sportsbook under the Hollywood Casino Morgantown license.

The Meadows, along with another casino in Pennsylvania, chose not to apply for any online gaming licenses. The decision was made by Penn National, the owner of both The Meadows and Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, in order to avoid duplicating the $10 million fee package.

Additionally, Meadows has the opportunity to promote Hollywood’s online casino extensively without affecting patrons or management. Hollywood’s mobile betting app is accessible statewide, with all funds ultimately going to the same destination. Similar to Hollywood, Meadows also has a strategic partnership with IGT. Although Meadows lacks an online poker license, its sister property Hollywood Casino does have one.

Best Online Casino Bonuses

Introduction to Meadows Casino

The Meadows, one of six licensed racinos in Pennsylvania, has a long history as a horse racing track that has evolved to include casino games. Established in 1963, it was the first track in Western Pennsylvania to offer parimutuel betting. Throughout the years, The Meadows has changed ownership multiple times and is currently owned by Gaming & Leisure Properties, a real estate spinoff of Penn National Gaming, and operated by Pinnacle Entertainment.

The Meadows stands out from other harness racing tracks by offering a racing program that runs year-round. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, live races were held on over 200 days annually, making for an extensive racing calendar at the course.

After legislation allowing slots gambling was passed in 2004, The Meadows in Pennsylvania was awarded a gambling license and opened a temporary slots casino next to the racetrack on June 11, 2007. The old grandstand was later torn down to make way for a permanent casino, which opened on April 15, 2009. With the approval of table games in Pennsylvania casinos in 2010, patrons at Meadows casino were also able to enjoy playing table games.

Amenities

Hyatt Place

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino offers the option for visitors to stay for a short day or evening visit or for a longer stay. The nearby four-star Hyatt Place hotel can be easily accessed via casino shuttle or footbridge, providing convenient accommodations for overnight guests. This smoke-free luxury hotel has received the TripAdvisor 2016 Certificate of Excellence.

You can reserve accommodations online or over the phone, with options ranging from spacious rooms to 670 square-foot suites featuring a separate bedroom and living room. All rooms and suites come equipped with the following amenities:

• Choose between one luxurious king bed or two comfortable queen beds fitted with plush Grand Hyatt bedding.
• Comfortable seating area with a convertible sofa
• 42-inch flat screen HDTV with swivel feature.
• Mini-fridge
• Single-cup coffeemaker
• In-room safe
• Generous workspace
• High-end skin and hair care products

Furthermore, all hotel guests are welcome to enjoy the following amenities:

• Complimentary breakfast buffet
• 24/7 room service menu
• Indoor heated pool
• Free garage parking
• Free shuttle service is available to Tanger Outlet Center and other locations within a five-mile radius.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and unrestricted use of public computers with Internet connectivity

Discounts and promotions

The rates for this high-quality hotel are surprisingly affordable, with special discounts available for Hyatt Gold Program members, seniors, AAA members, and government employees. Even without a discount, weeknight rates are typically below $200 and can be as low as $127. Government employees can enjoy a discounted rate of $89 on most nights.

Hyatt Place is a proud member of the Hyatt Gold Passport loyalty program. Staying at Hyatt Place can earn you points towards a free night stay at any Hyatt resort globally. Known for its excellent ratings on guest review sites, visitors praise the hotel for its spacious and well-maintained rooms, as well as its helpful and welcoming staff.

Dining and nightlife

At The Meadows, you can choose from a variety of upscale and casual dining options. If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience with stunning views of the racetrack and casino floor, be sure to check out the acclaimed Bistecca Steakhouse.

Guests at The Meadows have a variety of dining options to choose from. For a more casual experience, they can dine at The Carvery, a luxurious buffet with a view of the racetrack, Delvis, a trackside restaurant open during live racing events, or the Food Court on the casino floor. The Band Wagon is another great choice, offering indoor food truck fare such as wings, sliders, and lobster rolls. With so many delicious options available, visitors to The Meadows will never go hungry!

In addition to the exciting casino games and horse racing events, The Meadows offers a variety of entertainment options for guests looking for more than just gambling. Headliners, situated near the Food Court on the main casino level, features live music from local bands every Friday and Saturday night. For those who enjoy dancing, Vibe Ultra Lounge, also on the main casino level, hosts live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.

In a unique offering for a casino, The Meadows also provides bowling as an alternative activity. Bowling hours are from noon to midnight on Sunday-Thursday and from noon to 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Special events occasionally occur at The Meadows featuring classic acts such as Tony Orlando and Blood, Sweat, and Tears, instead of modern performers. Tickets are affordable, with prices starting at just $19.95.

Casino overview

Who can play at Meadows casino?

The minimum age to gamble at Meadows Racetrack and Casino is 21, in accordance with Pennsylvania state law. This rule is strictly enforced, meaning that individuals under 21 are not permitted to play in the casino. However, those who are 18 and older are allowed to place bets on horse racing events.

Security and fairness

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino is regulated and licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the governing body for all legalized gambling in the state. With the PGCB overseeing operations, players can feel confident in the safety and fairness of games at The Meadows. The venue’s successful 50-year history speaks volumes about its reliability, and the recent addition of the casino only further solidifies its reputation as a trusted destination for Pennsylvania residents.

Despite numerous player complaints about the tight slots, this issue is consistent across all Pennsylvania casinos, and the payouts adhere to PGCB guidelines.

Casino games

The expansive casino floor spans 350,000 square feet, making it one of the largest on the East Coast. It boasts over 3,300 slots and video poker machines, as well as more than 67 table games. Additionally, there is a cozy poker room featuring 14 tables.

Slots and video poker

Each slot and video poker terminal at the casino is equipped with a ticket in/ticket out feature, allowing for seamless transitions between machines. The slot selection ranges from classic three-reel games to cutting-edge multi-line video slots, some of which feature progressive jackpots. Popular slots at the casino include Super Monopoly Money, Lord of the Rings, and Sphinx 3D.

No matter what kind of slots you enjoy, there is always a game that will match your preferences and budget. Whether you prefer sticking to classic favorites or trying something new, you can easily find the perfect game for you in the New Game Zone, which features the latest releases.

In addition, there is a high limit room available for premium slot players, featuring slot machines and video poker games with minimum bets starting at $1 and maximum bets reaching up to $100. Players have the option to wager up to $375 per spin.

Players say slots are too tight

Slot players at The Meadows may enjoy the variety of games available, but many are dissatisfied with the low rate of return on the machines. This sentiment is not unique to this casino, as similar complaints are heard from slot players at all Pennsylvania casinos. It appears that this issue is statewide rather than specific to any one establishment.

The players who are unhappy are not mistaken in thinking that the frequency of slot machine payouts in Pennsylvania casinos may be lower than what they have seen in other out-of-state casinos. The average return to player (RTP) for slots in Pennsylvania is only 89-90 percent, which is several percentage points lower than many other casinos. It is worth noting that Pennsylvania casinos are permitted to offer returns as low as 85 percent on their slots and still adhere to PGCB guidelines.

One possible explanation for the lower slot payouts in Pennsylvania could be that players are finding better odds of winning at table games like blackjack. To maintain profits, casinos may be increasing the hold on slot machines. Additionally, the high 55% tax rates imposed by the state on slot machines may discourage casinos from offering looser slots.

Additionally, penny machines, which have gained popularity, are known to have a lower Return to Player (RTP) compared to higher-denomination machines.

If you’re planning on playing slots at The Meadows, it’s recommended that you establish a strict budget for your slot play and stick to it. Keep your playing sessions brief and if you happen to be on a winning streak, put aside some of your winnings to ensure you walk away with some profit in hand.

Table games

Meadows Casino provides a variety of table games, including:

• Blackjack
• Roulette
• Mini and midi baccarat
• Craps
• Bonus Poker Texas Hold ‘Em
• Pai gow poker
• Three card poker
• Four card poker
• Criss-Cross Poker
• Let It Ride
• Mississippi Stud
• Big Six wheel

Different games have different minimum and maximum bets, but high stakes players are encouraged. There is a separate high limit room for both slots and table games, including blackjack, roulette, midi baccarat, and craps. The minimum bet in this room is $50 and the maximum is $15,000. Exclusive amenities such as a VIP lounge, butler service, and private salon are also available.

Table games odds and prop bets

It seems that this casino only offers American roulette, which is unfortunate because it has both a 0 and a 00 on the wheel, giving the house a higher edge of 5.26 percent. European roulette, with just a single zero and a lower house edge of 2.70 percent, would be a more favorable option for players.

When visiting The Meadows, you will discover a wide selection of casino table poker games. Before playing any of these games, be sure to understand the rules and format of the specific game variant you choose.

For those seeking more thrills and excitement, this casino provides a thrilling experience for craps players with 10x odds and the chance to win up to $5,000 with the optional Fire Bet. Baccarat enthusiasts can opt for either midi or mini-baccarat, with the main difference being that players can hold the cards in midi baccarat but not in mini-baccarat. The Big Six wheel, a carnival-style game, has a high house edge, so it’s recommended to only place small bets for entertainment purposes.

Blackjack

It is undeniable that blackjack reigns supreme as the most popular table game at The Meadows, evident from the consistently packed tables. This game’s appeal lies in its better odds compared to other casino games, as well as the fact that success is influenced by both skill and luck. Players appreciate the chance to showcase their abilities and believe they have more control over their chances of winning.

There are numerous versions of blackjack with varying rules that can impact the player’s advantage. To eliminate inconsistencies, the PGCB established uniform rules for all land-based casinos in Pennsylvania. The blackjack game offered by Pennsylvania casinos is exceptional, with rules that are superior to those found in most other American casinos.

• Blackjack pays 3:2
• The dealer remains on soft 17.
• You can double down on any two cards.
• Doubling down after splits
• Divides into three hands, excluding aces.
• Late surrender

To increase your chances of winning with favorable rules, it is crucial to adhere to the correct basic strategy. By following the correct basic strategy, players at The Meadows can reduce the house edge to just 0.40 percent.

It is important for blackjack players to consider the table minimum when choosing where to play. Players with a smaller budget may struggle to find tables at their desired stakes. In Pennsylvania, many casinos do not offer $5 blackjack tables, and those that do are usually only available on weekdays and get filled up fast.

Blackjack prop bets

At The Meadows, blackjack players can choose to place proposition bets alongside their regular blackjack wagers. However, if done frequently, these bets may cancel out any advantage gained from the favorable rules. It is recommended to only make these bets occasionally and for small amounts. While these additional bets can make the game more exciting, they should be used sparingly to avoid diminishing your chances of winning. Who knows, you might even come out as a big winner!

Lucky Ladies

You are betting that the total of your first two cards will be 20. The payouts for this bet are as follows:

• Twenty divided by four equals one.
• 20 suited: 10 to 1
• Matched pair: 25 to1
• Two hearts queens: 200 to 1
• Two hearts queens facing off against a dealer’s blackjack with odds of 1,000 to 1.

21 + 3 Xtreme

When you combine your first two cards with the dealer’s upcard, you create your three-card hand. Here are the potential winning hands and their corresponding payouts.

• Flush: 5 to 1
• Straight: 10 to 1
• A set of three: odds of 20 to 1
• A straight flush pays out at odds of 30 to 1.

In-Bet

This bet is based on the dealer’s upcard falling between the player’s first two cards. For instance, if the player’s two cards are 3 and 10, and the dealer’s upcard is a 5, the bet wins. The payouts for this bet are as follows:

• Any in-bet: 1-1
• Three-card spread: 4-1
• Two-card spread: 6-1
• One-card spread: 10-1
• Triple match: 30-1

When your two cards match the dealer’s card in value, it is called a triple match. This is the only situation where the dealer’s card does not have to be between the player’s first two cards.

Blackjack Match with a Progressive Jackpot

You win if your initial two cards contain an ace. Here are the payouts for various hands with a $5 bet. Players will only receive the highest payout available.

• Buy one get one free for any ace at a price of $10.
• Any blackjack pays 5 to 1, which is equivalent to $25.
• Get a 10 to 1 payout on a suited blackjack, which equates to $500 for a $50 bet.
• Suited blackjack and dealer blackjack both pay out at 50 to 1, which is equivalent to $250.
• Both suited blackjack and dealer’s suited blackjack pay out 300 for 1, which equals $1,500.
• When a player and dealer both have a suited blackjack, they are eligible to win 10% of the Progressive Jackpot.
• If the player and dealer both have matching suits and ace-king blackjacks, they will win 100% of the Progressive Jackpot.

Poker

The Meadows Poker Room is open around the clock, just like the rest of the casino. Despite its small size of only 14 tables, it offers plenty of exciting action. Cash games feature popular options like limit and no-limit hold’em, as well as Omaha and Omaha hi-lo. Daily morning and evening tournaments are available, along with special tournaments from time to time. Regular tournament buy-ins range from $31 to $126.

Every third Saturday of the month, there is a high hand promotion where $200 is awarded every half hour between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m. for the designated period. Additionally, anyone who gets a Royal Flush wins a progressive jackpot.

MyChoice Rewards

Penn National’s rewards program, My Choice, is now the new loyalty program replacing The Meadows Players Club.

The program allows you to accumulate tier points and mycash as you participate in activities such as playing, dining, and shopping, providing immediate access to all account details.

Players can explore the features of the mychoice app by downloading it.

• * Tier statusExclusive rewards
• Special offers
• Your mycash balance
• Your Win/Loss Statement
• mychoice destinations near you

Points can be earned with each tier point.

• Each $5 spent on slot play
• results in one free drink.
• Every $40 spent on electronic table games
• For every $10 bet on horse racing
• Each $12 spent on online slots
• Every twelve dollars in online poker
• Every $25 on tables
• Each $10 placed on straight bets on Barstool
• Every $10 spent on Barstool exclusive bets
• Each $5 wagered on Barstool parlays

There are different levels of physical table play available.

Five tiers

• Choose from a range of up to 999 points.
• Advantage 1,000 to 17,999
• Preferred 18,000 to 49,999
• Elite 50,000 to 199,999
• Owner 200,000+

Ponts are able to be exchanged for a range of different experiences, such as access to an online shopping center.

myheroes added to mychoice

Penn launched the “myheroes” program on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 15, to show appreciation for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders. This exclusive extension of Penn National’s mychoice rewards program offers our nation’s heroes exclusive discounts and offers at the company’s 41 properties in 19 states.

Upon signing up, all members of myheroes will receive a tier upgrade to Advantage, along with a commemorative pin and a special players club card.

Each member can also choose a family member or friend to enjoy all the same benefits, rewards, and gifts of the program.

Furthermore, guests will receive dining and retail discounts, as well as up to a 30% discount on hotel stays at properties offering these amenities. Qualified patrons can also enjoy special promotions and events daily.

Summary

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino is a versatile destination with a wide range of offerings. In addition to your favorite casino games, visitors can enjoy horse racing, bowling, dining, and evening entertainment all in one location. For those looking to stay overnight, there is a top-notch hotel conveniently located nearby.

The primary complaints from players about The Meadows include:

• Winning at the slots can be challenging.
• There is a shortage of low stakes blackjack tables.
• Food and entertainment are commonplace.
• Improving ventilation is necessary as the odor of smoke tends to drift into the non-smoking sections.

There are many reasons to enjoy this casino, regardless of your game or stakes preferences. High-rollers will appreciate the luxurious atmosphere and personalized service in the high limit slot and table games rooms and Adios Lounge. Even low-limit players can feel like they are getting great value with opportunities to earn free play, comp dollars, and take advantage of frequent special promotions.

The Meadows is conveniently located just a half-hour drive away from Pittsburgh, allowing easy access to the city’s numerous attractions.

Contact The Meadows Racetrack and Casino at 210 Racetrack Road in Washington, PA 15301 by calling 1-724-503-1200.