In July 2004 the Pennsylvania legislature authorized the legalization of slot machines in the Keystone state.

The slots will be placed in up to 14 locations throughout the state: four at existing racetracks; two at future racetracks which have been licensed but not yet built (Presque Isle Downs near Erie and Chester Downs near Philadelphia); one at a future harness track;  two at slot parlors in Phildalphia; one at a slot parlor in Pittsburgh; and two at slot parlors in locations yet to be determined. The maximum number of machines initally allowed at any of these locations is 3,000. However, after being open for six months they may request that it be increased to a total of 5,000.

Additionally, two slot rooms, with a maximum of 500 machines, will be allowed at two as-yet-to-be-determined hotels which each must have a minimum of 275 rooms.

Late 2005 is the earliest the slot machines are expected to be in operation. Listed below is information on the four existing racetracks which are authorized to have slots. Please call them to check the status of their slot machines.

The minimum gambling age at all racetracks is 18. For more information on visiting Pennsylvania call their Office of Tourism at (800) 237-4363 or visit their website at www.visitpa.com

The Meadows
PO Box 499
Meadow Lands, Pennsylvania 15347
(724) 225-9300
Website: www.themeadowsracing.com
Map: #1 (25 miles S.W. of Pittsburgh)

Admission: Free   
Parking: Free
Restaurants: 1
Special Features: Live harness racing Tue/Thu/Sat/Fri evenings all year long. Daily simulcast of harness and thoroughbred racing.

Penn National Race Course
P.O. Box 32
Grantville, Pennsylvania 17028
(717) 469-2211
Website: www.pennnational.com
Map: #2 (16 miles N.E. of Harrisburg)

Admission: $2   
Parking: Free
Restaurants: 1
Special Features: Live thoroughbred horse racing Wed-Sat evenings all year long. Daily simulcast of harness and thoroughbred racing.

The Downs at Pocono
1280 Highway 315
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702
(570) 825-6681
Website: www.poconodowns.com
Map: #3 (20 miles S.W. of Scranton)

Admission: $1  
Parking: Free
Restaurants: 1
Special Features: Live harness racing Tue/Wed/Sat/Sun evenings early April through mid-October. Friday evenings added during June, July and August. Daily simulcast of harness and thoroughbred racing.

Philadelphia Park
3001 Street Road
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020
(215) 639-9000
Website: www.philadelphiapark.com
Map: #4 (18 miles N.E. of Philadelphia)

Admission: Free   
Parking: Free
Restaurants: 1
Special Features: Thoroughbred horse racing Sat-Tue afternoons all year long. Friday racing added January and February.  Daily simulcast of harness and thoroughbred racing.