Hollywood Casino Tunica represents one of Mississippi's most established gaming destinations, combining the glamour of Hollywood's golden age with modern casino amenities. Located in Tunica Resorts at 1150 Casino Strip Resort Boulevard, the property has served visitors since 1994, evolving from its origins as the Summit Casino project into a comprehensive entertainment complex operated by Penn Entertainment.
Introduction
The casino occupies a significant position in Tunica County's gaming landscape, which transformed from one of the poorest counties in the United States to a major gaming market in the 1990s. Hollywood Casino Tunica opened on August 8, 1994, as the ninth casino in the area, joining the Commerce Landing section alongside other major properties. The facility features an Art Deco design theme with hundreds of pieces of movie memorabilia adorning the walls and walkways, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of classic Hollywood sound stages.
Today, the property operates as part of Penn Entertainment's portfolio, following the company's 2003 acquisition of Hollywood Casino Corp for $328 million. Penn Entertainment has maintained the Hollywood branding while expanding the concept to other markets, and in 2017, acquired neighboring properties to strengthen its Tunica market presence.
Gaming Floor and Casino Amenities
The 54,000-square-foot gaming floor provides a comprehensive selection of gaming options designed to accommodate players of all experience levels and preferences. The casino floor layout maximizes accessibility while maintaining the property's distinctive Hollywood theme throughout.
Slot Machine Selection
With over 1,000 slot machines, Hollywood Casino Tunica offers one of the most diverse slot selections in the Tunica market. The slot floor includes classic reel machines, video slots, progressive jackpot games, and the latest licensed theme games. Denominations range from penny slots to high-limit machines, accommodating both casual players and high rollers. The casino regularly updates its slot inventory to include new releases and popular titles.
Table Games
The property features 20 table games covering all major casino classics. Players can find blackjack tables with various rule sets and betting limits, multiple roulette wheels, craps tables, baccarat, and poker variations. Table limits are structured to serve both recreational players and those seeking higher-stakes action. Dealers maintain professional standards, and the casino provides instructional sessions for newcomers to table gaming.
Sportsbook
Hollywood Casino Tunica operates a full-service sportsbook, allowing guests to place wagers on professional and college sports. The sportsbook features multiple viewing screens, comfortable seating, and a dedicated betting counter with knowledgeable staff. Sports betting options include point spreads, moneylines, totals, parlays, and prop bets across major sports leagues. The sportsbook represents a significant amenity addition, capitalizing on the expansion of legal sports betting in Mississippi.
Hotel Accommodations and Facilities
The 494-room hotel consists of two towers designed to provide luxury accommodations with convenient casino access. Room categories include standard double rooms, king rooms, and suites, each decorated to reflect the Hollywood theme while incorporating modern amenities.
Room Features and Amenities
Guest rooms include flat-screen televisions, complimentary Wi-Fi, climate control, work desks, and premium bedding. Bathrooms feature modern fixtures and amenities. Suites offer additional space with separate living areas, enhanced furnishings, and upgraded amenities. All rooms provide views of either the surrounding Tunica area or the property grounds.
Hotel Facilities
The hotel complex includes an indoor swimming pool, sun deck, fitness facilities, and a gift shop. The indoor pool area provides year-round swimming regardless of weather conditions, while the sun deck offers outdoor relaxation space during favorable weather. The gift shop stocks essentials, souvenirs, and Hollywood-themed merchandise. Guest services include 24-hour front desk assistance, valet parking, and concierge services.
Dining Options
Hollywood Casino Tunica provides multiple dining venues ranging from casual quick-service options to upscale steakhouse dining. The dining program is designed to accommodate guests throughout their stay, whether seeking a quick bite between gaming sessions or a leisurely fine dining experience.
Fairbanks Steakhouse
Fairbanks Steakhouse serves as the property's signature fine dining venue, specializing in premium steaks, seafood, and classic American cuisine. The restaurant features an upscale atmosphere with attentive service, an extensive wine list, and menu items prepared using high-quality ingredients. Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak visitation periods.
Taste of Hollywood
Taste of Hollywood operates as the property's buffet venue, offering a wide selection of dishes across multiple cuisine styles. The buffet includes carving stations, seafood selections, international dishes, salads, and desserts. Meal periods include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menu rotations to provide variety for extended-stay guests.
Celebrity Grill
Celebrity Grill provides casual dining with a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, and comfort food classics. The restaurant maintains extended hours to accommodate guests at various times throughout the day and evening. The casual atmosphere and accessible pricing make it a popular choice for quick meals.
Hollywood and Grind
Hollywood and Grind serves as the property's coffee shop and quick-service venue, offering specialty coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and grab-and-go items. The location provides convenient options for guests seeking refreshments without leaving the casino floor area.
RV Park and Extended Stay Options
The 123-space RV park provides full-hookup sites for recreational vehicles, offering an alternative accommodation option for travelers exploring the region. RV sites include electrical, water, and sewer connections, with access to the casino and hotel facilities. The RV park appeals to travelers touring the Mississippi Delta region who want convenient access to casino gaming and entertainment.
RV park guests receive access to hotel amenities including the pool, fitness facilities, and all dining venues. The park's proximity to the casino floor allows RV guests to enjoy the full resort experience while maintaining their preferred accommodation style. Reservations can be made through the casino's booking system, with both short-term and extended-stay options available.
PENN Play Rewards Program
The PENN Play rewards program serves as Hollywood Casino Tunica's loyalty system, integrated across all Penn Entertainment properties nationwide. Members earn tier points and PENN Cash through gaming activity, dining purchases, and hotel stays. The program operates on a tiered structure, with benefits increasing as members achieve higher tier levels.
The PENN Play mobile app provides real-time access to account information, including tier status, PENN Cash balance, and exclusive offers. New members receive promotional credits and dining credits upon enrollment. The app also includes PENN Play Casino, a social gaming platform where members can play casino games for entertainment while earning additional rewards. PENN Cash can be redeemed for gaming, dining, hotel stays, or merchandise through the PENN Marketplace online shopping platform.
Entertainment and Events
The Stage Bar hosts live music performances throughout the week, featuring local and regional artists across various genres. The venue provides a casual atmosphere for guests to enjoy entertainment while having drinks and socializing. The property also maintains an event venue and ballroom suitable for groups, meetings, conferences, and special events. The events team can coordinate catering, audiovisual equipment, and room configurations to accommodate various group sizes and event types.
Location and Regional Context
Hollywood Casino Tunica is situated in Tunica Resorts, Mississippi, approximately 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. The location provides convenient access via major highways, with the casino positioned along the Casino Strip Resort Boulevard corridor. Tunica County's casino market developed rapidly in the 1990s, bringing significant economic development to a region that previously ranked among the poorest in the nation.
The casino's position in the Commerce Landing area places it among several other gaming properties, creating a concentrated entertainment district. The broader Tunica region offers additional attractions including blues music heritage sites, golf courses, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The proximity to Memphis provides access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct resort atmosphere.
Ownership and Operations
Gaming and Leisure Properties owns the real estate, while Penn Entertainment holds the operating license and manages daily operations. This structure reflects the real estate investment trust model common in the modern casino industry. Penn Entertainment acquired Hollywood Casino Corp in 2003 and has since expanded the Hollywood brand across multiple markets. In 2017, Penn Entertainment purchased neighboring properties in Tunica, including the former Resorts casino and what is now 1st Jackpot Casino Tunica, consolidating its market position.
The company closed the Resorts property in July 2019 due to declining revenues across the Tunica market, reflecting broader industry trends as regional gaming expanded to other states. Hollywood Casino Tunica continues operations as Penn Entertainment's primary Tunica property, focusing on maintaining service quality and competitive amenities.
Conclusion
Hollywood Casino Tunica combines over three decades of operational history with modern gaming amenities, comprehensive dining options, and quality hotel accommodations. The property's 54,000-square-foot casino floor, 494-room hotel, sportsbook, and RV park create a full-service destination for visitors to the Tunica gaming market. The PENN Play rewards program adds value for repeat visitors, while the Hollywood theme provides distinctive character among regional competitors. Whether visiting for gaming, dining, entertainment, or as part of a broader Mississippi Delta exploration, Hollywood Casino Tunica offers established facilities operated by one of the nation's largest gaming companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gaming options are available at Hollywood Casino Tunica?
Hollywood Casino Tunica features over 1,000 slot machines, 20 table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, plus a full-service sportsbook for sports betting.
How many hotel rooms does Hollywood Casino Tunica have?
The property offers 494 hotel rooms across two towers, with room types including double rooms, king rooms, and suites, all featuring modern amenities and the Hollywood theme.
What dining restaurants are located at Hollywood Casino Tunica?
Dining options include Fairbanks Steakhouse for fine dining, Taste of Hollywood buffet, Celebrity Grill for casual meals, and Hollywood and Grind coffee shop.
Does Hollywood Casino Tunica have an RV park?
Yes, the property features a 123-space RV park with full hookups including electrical, water, and sewer connections, plus access to all casino and hotel amenities.
What is the PENN Play rewards program?
PENN Play is the loyalty rewards program where members earn tier points and PENN Cash through gaming, dining, and hotel stays, redeemable across all Penn Entertainment properties nationwide.
Where is Hollywood Casino Tunica located?
The casino is located at 1150 Casino Strip Resort Boulevard in Tunica Resorts, Mississippi, approximately 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee.
When did Hollywood Casino Tunica open?
Hollywood Casino Tunica opened on August 8, 1994, originally planned as Summit Casino before being acquired by Hollywood Casino Corp during construction.
Who owns and operates Hollywood Casino Tunica?
Gaming and Leisure Properties owns the property, while Penn Entertainment holds the operating license and manages all casino, hotel, and dining operations.