Learn about the Penn Play Rewards program and how it can bring you some thrilling bonuses, exciting offers and loads of other fantastic goodies.
PENN Play Rewards Program
PENN Play is an exciting new rewards program from ESPN Bet and Penn Entertainment, the parent company of Penn National Gaming. Penn Entertainment announced this new rewards program in April of 2023, replacing the hugely popular MyChoice Rewards. Some aspects of this brand’s rewards program have changed, yet it remains a fantastic way to redeem exciting rewards such as free cruises, comped hotel accommodation, VIP lounge access, and more.
Five tiers make up this excellent new rewards program. Members can move up the rankings online, via the ESPN Bet app and HollywoodCasino.com, and at more than 40 retail locations around the US.
PENN Play has clear terms and conditions that ensure even complete newcomers can easily move up the tiers. Discover everything that this unique rewards program has to offer by reading this entire guide today.
What is the PENN Play Rewards Program?
PENN Play is a rewards system offered by Penn Entertainment. I discovered that the structure of PENN Play is not unlike other rewards programs, allowing members to earn unique prizes and move up the tier structure by gambling. PENN Cash is the currency connected with this program. This form of currency can be used to redeem prizes.
PENN Cash is earned alongside Tier Points. To earn Tier Points, members can place wagers through the ESPN Bet online platform, HollywoodCasino.com, and inside more than 40 retail locations operated by Penn National Gaming.
How Does PENN Play Loyalty Scheme Work?
The PENN Play loyalty program is similar to the ones offered by many competitors such as BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook. I found PENN Play to be better than these programs in certain ways, particularly for those who want to redeem their reward points for travel.
Simply put, members of this program earn Tier Points by playing casino games, making sports wagers, and spending money inside various Penn National Gaming-owned properties around the country. As more Tier Points are earned, members are given PENN Cash, a form of currency that can be used to claim prizes.
The prizes get better as members move up the PENN Play tier structure. More information on how this tier structure works can be seen below.
Tier Levels
There are five tier levels within the PENN Play rewards program. Members can easily move up these tiers in a variety of ways, including placing bets through the ESPN Bet platform and gambling inside Penn National Gaming properties. Each of the tiers in this program offers some fantastic prizes to players.
Play: 0 – 999
The Play Tier is the starting tier for all new members of PENN Play. Members will remain in this tier until they surpass 999 Tier Points. Despite being the first tier, Play offers some great prizes including lower hotel room rates and access to special promotions.
Advantage: 1,000 – 17,999
Next up is the Advantage Tier, consisting of members with between 1,000 and 17,999 Tier Points. Entering this tier gives members access to a larger number of unique prizes such as special deals on Norwegian Cruise Line®, and annual rollover points.
Preferred: 18,000 – 49,999
The third tier in the PENN Play rewards program is the Preferred Tier. Members here hold between 18,000 and 49,999 Tier Points. Some of the great prizes that can be claimed in this tier include special deals at the M Resort Spa Casino, a complimentary Norwegian Cruise Line® once reaching 25,000 Tier Points, and a complimentary getaway at the Baha Mar Resort, Bahamas once reaching 25,000 Tier Points.
Elite: 50,000 – 199,999
The Elite Tier is made up of PENN Play members with between 50,000 and 199,999 Tier Points. Reaching this tier is no easy task, yet members that do gain access to many incredible prizes such as VIP Lounge Access inside Penn National Gaming properties, a Complimentary Seven Day Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line®, and a Companion Card after reaching 100,000 Tier Points.
Owners Club: 200,000+
The highest tier within the PENN Play rewards program is called the Owners Club Tier. This offers some truly special prizes including guaranteed complimentary hotel rooms, an annual luxury gift after reaching 400,000 Tier Points, and an annual $500 travel voucher towards a benefit trip.
How to Earn Tier Points
There are specific ways that members of PENN Play can earn Tier Points across multiple categories. Fortunately, nearly every type of gambler should find it easy to receive these points and move up the tier structure.
For Sports Betting via ESPN Bet
- Parlays: Every $5 bet = 1 Tier Point
- All other bets: Every $10 wagered = 1 Tier Point
For Casino Gambling via the ESPN BET App and HollywoodCasino.com
- Online slots/video poker: $12 coin-in = 1 Tier Point
- Online table games: $25 coin-in = 1 Tier Point
Gambling and Other Spending at Penn National Gaming Properties
- Slots and video lottery machines: $5 coin–in = 1 Tier Point
- Video poker: $10 coin-in = 1 Tier Point
- Table games: Based on specific games, time played, and average bet amount
- Electronic table games: $40 coin-in = 1 Tier Point
- Live poker games: 1 hour played = 20 Tier Points
- Non-gaming on-property purchases: $5 spent = 1 Tier Point
- Horse Racing wagering: $10 wagered = 1 Tier Point
- Hotel stays: $5 spent = 1 Tier Point
- Dining: $5 spent = 1 Tier Point
PENN Cash
PENN Cash is the currency used within the PENN Play rewards program. As Tier Points are earned, members also accumulate PENN Cash. This “currency” is then used by members to “purchase” specific prizes. PENN Cash can be used in a variety of ways, yet members can only redeem this currency to purchase prizes available within the tier they are in.
A look at the conversion rate for Tier Points to PENN Cash based on different tiers can be seen below. It’s important to note that PENN Cash is not earned until reaching 3,000 Tier Points.
- Advantage Tier: $10 PENN Cash for every 3,000 Tier Points earned
- Preferred Tier: $25 PENN Cash for every 5,000 Tier Points earned
- Elite Tier: $150 PENN Cash for every 25,000 Tier Points earned
- Owners Club Tier: $500 PENN Cash for every 50,000 Tier Points earned
This point-to-cash conversion rate is certainly not the best among other popular rewards programs. For example, MGM Rewards, the rewards program offered by BetMGM, offers tier points at a base value of $0.01. This means players earn $100 in comps for each 10,000 tier points earned. The cashback rate of the PENN Play rewards program stands at about 0.05% – 0.1%.
Fortunately, PENN Cash can be redeemed in a variety of ways. Discover how much money PENN Cash is worth across different categories here.
Hotels
- $1 PENN Cash = $2 hotel credit
Dining
- $1 PENN Cash = $2 dining credit
Shopping
- $1 PENN Cash = $2 shopping and retail
Gaming
- $1 PENN Cash = $1 SlotPlay
- $1 PENN Cash = $1 table play
- $1 PENN Cash = $1 bonus cash at HollywoodCasino.com
- $1 PENN Cash = $1 social gaming credit on PENN Play Casino
Other PENN Play Rewards Features
PENN Play has several unique features and special rewards for select groups. That includes military veterans, who are given several special perks after joining this rewards program.
PENN HEROES
Military veterans, active-duty military, law enforcement, firefighters, other first responders, and their spouses are eligible for several exclusive offers within the PENN Play rewards program. This special offer is called PENN HEROES and provides access to special discounts, promotions, and events. Some of those perks can be seen below.
- Annual membership upgrade to Advantage tier (or 1,000 Tier Points)
- Exclusive hotel discount up to 30%
- Exclusive dining and shopping discounts
- Offers extended to member’s chosen companion
- PENN Heroes welcome gift
- Monthly PENN Play Casino offer
To join the PENN HEROES program, players need to download the PENN Play app and create an account. Next, provide ID verification at your nearest PENN location. A PENN HEROES card will then be awarded, giving these players access to the special perks listed above.
Requirements to Join the PENN Play Program
Anyone above the age of 21 can join the PENN Play rewards program. The other requirements to join this program are standard.
- Request a PENN Play card in person at a physical Penn National Gaming location or online via the PENN Play mobile app. If registering online, you must give the app access to your smartphone’s camera to scan your ID.
- Collect your PENN Play card.
- The ID number on your PENN Play card is required to create a PENN Play account.
PENN Play Rewards App
The PENN Play rewards app can be easily downloaded via the Apple Store and Google Play Store. This app works seamlessly using both iOS and Android devices. There are several benefits to using this app, rather than the desktop computer website.
The PENN Play reward makes it extremely easy for members to create new accounts. The entire registration process should take no longer than 10 minutes. This app also allows members to do things like check their account balance, purchase rewards, and contact customer support, from anywhere.
Creating a PENN Play Account
Creating an account with PENN Play is extremely simple. This account can be created in person at one of the more than 40 Penn National Gaming locations around the country, or online via the PENN Play mobile app. Before an account can be created, however, players must be in possession of a valid PENN Play loyalty card.
The PENN Play mobile platform provides the easiest path to create an account with this program. Downloading this app is easy to do via the Apple Store and Google Play Store. From here, the steps to create an account are very straightforward.
- Click the “Create an Account” button on the PENN Play app welcome screen.
- Enter your PENN Play ID found on your loyalty card.
- Provide PENN Play with some basic personal information including your full name, home address, social security number, email address, and more.
- Agree to the PENN Play terms and conditions.
I found the registration process here to be extremely simple. Joining this rewards program is not very different from joining an online sportsbook. There are a few verification steps needed, yet the process should be easy for even complete newcomers to online gaming.
Is it Possible to Win Real Money From the PENN Play App?
The PENN Play mobile app does not directly offer members cash prizes. This is a rewards program, giving members special perks and prizes by gambling and spending cash inside various Penn National Gaming hotels and casinos around the country. As a result, there is no real way to win real money through this platform.
Fortunately, this app provides some excellent perks to players. Members within each tier have access to great perks, many of which center around travel. The higher up the tier structure players are, the better these prizes become.
PENN Play Rewards and Benefits
All members of PENN Play have access to an impressive selection of unique perks. Some of those perks include free cruises, hotel accommodation discounts, and special VIP packages. As members move up the tier structure, the prizes become significantly more generous.
Everywhere
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owners Club (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special offers to PENN Play destinations, based on play | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Savings on Norwegian Cruise Line® | ❌No | Up to 10% off | Up to 15% off | Up to 20% off | Up to 25% off |
| Status Match in the Choice Privileges Program | ❌No | Gold | Platinum | Diamond | Diamond |
| Offers for stays at the M Resort Spa Casino | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Annual sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line (Preferred with an excess of 25,000 Tier Points) | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | Oceanview | Balcony |
| Annual complimentary stay at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas (Preferred with an excess of 25,000 Tier Points) | Up to 30% | Up to 30% | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Annual PENN Play Getaway offer | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Annual $500 travel reimbursement toward a PENN Play destination visit or partner trip | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| Eligible for an annual luxury gift after earning 400,000 Tier Points | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Access Services
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owners Club (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIP Lounge access | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| VIP parking | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Priority lines at restaurants, players’ club and hotel | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Guaranteed personal host | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| No-fee check cashing | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Companion card (at 100,000 Tier Points) | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Priority access to promotions and events | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Dining
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owner Box (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Double PENN Cash value for dining | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Birthday dinner with your host and quarterly reception with casino general manager | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| Annual celebration dinners 1 | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Entertainment
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owners Box (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to entertainment presales | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| VIP seating for entertainment | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
Gaming
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owners Box (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Rollover Points | ❌No | Up to 500 | Up to 5,000 | Up to 15,000 | Up to 30,000 |
| Special offers and promotions | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Redeem PENN Cash for SlotPlay | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Earn PENN Cash and Tier Points | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Access to Real Time Rewards (at 3,000 Tier Points, for app users only) | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Entry Boost for select casino drawings | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| No expiration of PENN Cash | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Eligible to qualify for reserved PENN Play Millionaire seats | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Priority slot service | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Hotel
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owners Box (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest rate guaranteed when you book online with your player's card | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Access to exclusive hotel sales | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Double PENN Cash value for hotel stays | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| VIP check-in line at PENN Play destination hotels | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| No hotel resort fee at PENN Entertainment destinations | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Guaranteed comp room | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
| Complimentary early check-in/late check-out upon request | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ❌No | ✅Yes |
Non Gaming
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owners Box (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earn PENN Cash and Tier Points when shopping on the PENN Earn Marketplace | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Use PENN Cash to make online shopping purchases on Get the Goods | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Discount on online shopping purchases on Get the Goods | ❌No | 5% | 5% | 10% | 10% |
Social Gaming
| Perks | Play (0 - 999) | Advantage (1,000 - 17,999) | Preferred (18,000 - 49,999) | Elite (50,000 - 199,999) | Owners Box (200,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly PENNPlayCasino.com bonus credits | 3,500,000 | 10,000,000 | 12,500,000 | 17,500,000 | 20,000,000 |
| 5,000,000 PENNPlayCasino.com bonus credits on your birthday | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
Online Casinos and Sportsbooks that use PENN Play Rewards
For several years, Penn Entertainment was engaged in an online gaming partnership with Barstool Sportsbook. Penn Gaming’s previous rewards program, called MyChoice Rewards, was attached to the Barstool Sportsbook program. In June 2023, news broke that the partnership between these brands was coming to an end.
Not long after, it was revealed that Penn Gaming had agreed to a new deal with ESPN, and would be rebranding its online sportsbook to “ESPN Bet”. The PENN Play rewards program will soon be connected with the ESPN Bet app and can already be accessed via HollywoodCasino.com, and more than 40 Penn National Gaming retail locations around the US.
ESPN Bet
ESPN jumped into the US sports betting industry with the launch of ESPN Bet, an online sportsbook set to go live in 16 states around the country. ESPN has been tight-lipped about some of the brand’s specific features. All signs point to this becoming a hugely popular sports wagering platform, though. Many of the same features that were provided through the Barstool Sportsbook app are now available through ESPN Bet.
Hollywood Casino
Hollywood Casino is an online casino and racebook owned and operated by Penn National Gaming. It was founded in 2019 and provides more than 200 different games to players. It is currently only available in Pennsylvania, yet quickly developed a large user base throughout the state.
PENN Play Casino
Those looking to play casino games without risking real money can access the PENN Play Casino. This is a free-to-play online casino platform offering all of the most popular Las Vegas-style casino games including slots, table games, video poker, and more. As a free online casino, there is no way to win real money through the PENN Play Casino. Instead, players can use their winnings to play more games and earn badges.
This online casino also has a unique social component. The top daily winners across multiple games are featured on the homepage, giving it a fun, competitive feel. Those interested in practicing their casino skills in a fun, risk-free environment will enjoy what the PENN Play Casino has to offer. The shop is where you can review your PENN Play rewards, exchange points for prizes, and more.
PENN Play Retail Casino Locations
- Freehold Raceway – Freehold, New Jersey
- Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway – Kansas City, Kansas
- Sam Houston Race Park – Houston, Texas
- Sanford–Orlando Kennel Club – Longwood, Florida
- Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs — Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago — East Chicago, Indiana
- Ameristar Casino Vicksburg — Vicksburg, Mississippi
- Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk — Black Hawk, Colorado
- Argosy Casino Alton – Alton, Illinois
- Argosy Casino Riverside – Riverside, Missouri
- Boomtown Biloxi – Biloxi, Mississippi
- Boomtown Bossier City — Bossier City, Louisiana
- Boomtown New Orleans — Harvey, Louisiana
- Cactus Petes Resort Casino — Jackpot, Nevada
- 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica – Tunica Resorts, Mississippi
- Hollywood Casino Aurora – Aurora, Illinois
- Hollywood Casino Bangor – Bangor, Maine
- Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races – Charles Town, West Virginia
- Hollywood Casino Columbus – Columbus, Ohio
- Hollywood Casino at Greektown — Detroit, Michigan
- Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast – Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
- Hollywood Casino Joliet – Joliet, Illinois
- Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg – Lawrenceburg, Indiana
- Hollywood Casino Morgantown – Morgantown, Pennsylvania
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course – Grantville, Pennsylvania
- Hollywood Casino Perryville – Perryville, Maryland
- Hollywood Casino St. Louis – Maryland Heights, Missouri
- Hollywood Casino Toledo – Toledo, Ohio
- Hollywood Casino Tunica – Tunica Resorts, Mississippi
- Hollywood Casino York – York, Pennsylvania
- Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway – Dayton, Ohio
- Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course – Austintown, Ohio
- Horseshu Hotel and Casino — Jackpot, Nevada
- L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Lake Charles, Louisiana
- M Resort – Henderson, Nevada
- Margaritaville Resort Casino – Bossier City, Louisiana
- The Meadows Racetrack and Casino — North Strabane Township, Pennsylvania
- Plainridge Park Casino – Plainville, Massachusetts
- Retama Park — Selma, Texas
- River City Casino — St. Louis, Missouri
- Zia Park Casino – Hobbs, New Mexico
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Summary
PENN Play is a solid online gaming rewards program offered through one of the largest and most reputable brands in the online gaming industry. Penn Entertainment has recently revamped this rewards program, offering several new prizes and launching a modern app that can be easily downloaded via the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
I was impressed at how many unique travel rewards are provided through the PENN Play program. Those interested in taking a Norwegian Cruise will certainly be pleased to find some of the unique perks being offered. Members will also find discounted or free hotel rooms, VIP check-in access, and even entire rooms comped via this program.
Members of PENN Play also have a solid variety of ways to earn Tier Points and move up through the program. This can be done via online platforms such as ESPN Bet, as well as through any one of the more than 40 Penn National Gaming retail casinos located around the country. As members move up the tiers, the rewards offered become significantly more generous.
There is no doubt that PENN Play could make it easier for members to earn PENN Cash, the currency used to purchase rewards. This program has a far lower cashback rate than several competing rewards programs including MGM Rewards and Caesars Rewards.
Overall, PENN Play stands as a solid rewards program. It provides solid prizes (particularly for travel enthusiasts), comes with a very sleek mobile app, and allows Tier Points to be earned in a variety of ways. The launch of ESPN Bet this fall will certainly make earning these Tier Points easier, too.
