You've seen the commercials or maybe walked past the glitzy entrance at Penn National Race Course, and now you're wondering if you can score some complimentary spins without reaching for your wallet first. The short answer is yes - Hollywood Casino does give free play, but it's not as simple as walking up to a machine and hitting a button. Getting that promotional credit requires navigating their rewards ecosystem, downloading the right app, and knowing exactly which buttons to push (and when). For US players, Hollywood Casino operates both brick-and-mortar venues and a strong online platform in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Jersey, and West Virginia, meaning the free play opportunities are split between physical slot credits and no-deposit bonuses.
How the mychoice Loyalty Program Works
Free play at Hollywood Casino is almost entirely tied to the mychoice loyalty program. This isn't unique to Hollywood - most major casino chains use a tiered system to track your spending and reward you accordingly - but the structure here is worth understanding if you want to maximize your return. Every dollar you spend on slots earns you points, and those points can later be converted into free play credits directly at the machine or via the casino cage. The conversion rate typically hovers around 100 points for $1 in free play, though this improves as you climb the VIP tiers.
The program has four main levels: Choice, Preferred, Elite, and Owners. If you're just starting out at the Choice level, don't expect a flood of free play offers in your inbox. The real value starts to unlock at the Elite tier, where you gain access to exclusive promotions and faster point accumulation. However, even new players can use monthly multiplier days, where the casino offers 2x, 3x, or sometimes 5x points on slot play, effectively boosting your free play earning potential without spending extra.
Hollywood Casino Online No Deposit Bonus Offers
If you prefer playing from your couch, the dynamic shifts. Hollywood Casino's online platform (accessible in PA, MI, NJ, and WV) often runs a no deposit bonus for new registrants. Instead of "free play," this is usually framed as a sign-up incentive - commonly $10 in casino credits just for creating an account. It's not a massive bankroll, but it's enough to test the waters on low-volatility slots without risking your own cash.
Keep in mind, these online bonuses come with strings attached. You'll typically face a 1x or 5x wagering requirement before you can withdraw any winnings derived from that free credit. For example, if you get $10 free and hit a $50 jackpot, you might need to wager $50 (at 5x) before that money becomes withdrawable cash. It's still a solid deal compared to the playthrough requirements at offshore sites, which can sometimes exceed 30x or 40x.
Claiming Free Play at Physical Hollywood Casino Locations
For those visiting a land-based Hollywood Casino, the process is more tactile. Once you've signed up for a mychoice card - a process that takes about five minutes at the rewards desk - you'll need to insert that card into any slot machine. If you've been tagged for a direct mail offer or a promotional award, it will appear on the screen after you enter your PIN. You can then download the credits directly to the machine.
New members often ask if there's an instant free play reward just for signing up. This varies by location and current promotion. At some venues, you might get $5 or $10 in free slot play just for activating your card. At others, the incentive might be a free bet at the sportsbook or a dining voucher. Always check the current "New Member" promotion at the specific property's website before you go - driving to the casino only to find out the sign-up bonus is a free coffee can be a letdown.
Promotional Kiosks and Multipliers
Physical casinos often run kiosk games or drawings where free play is the prize. You might swipe your card at a promotional kiosk and instantly win $20 in free play, or earn entries into a drawing for $1,000 in slot credit. These promotions are usually busiest on weekends, but that also means more competition. Visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday sometimes offers better odds for smaller drawings, simply because fewer players are vying for the prize pool.
Redeeming mychoice Points for Slot Credit
Accumulating points is the slow-and-steady way to build a free play bankroll. If you're a regular at the slots, you'll notice your point balance grow with every session. The standard earning rate is 1 point for every $5 wagered on reel slots, and 1 point for every $10 on video poker (though this varies by machine). Once you've built up a decent balance - say, 5,000 points - you can redeem them for $50 in free play.
The redemption process is smooth at the machine. Press the "Menu" or "Service" button, navigate to the promotions tab, and select the amount you want to download. It's instant. There's no need to walk back to the cage, which keeps you playing (exactly what the casino wants). If you're playing online, the mychoice points sync with your digital account, allowing you to redeem points for online bonus cash or use them for hotel stays, dining, and entertainment at physical Hollywood Casino resorts.
Comparing Hollywood Casino Free Play to Other US Brands
How does Hollywood's approach stack up against competitors like BetMGM or Caesars? While Hollywood's offers are solid, they aren't always the most aggressive in the market. Here's a quick look at how they compare:
| Casino Brand | Typical New Player Offer | Free Play Redemption Rate | Loyalty Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Casino | $10 Free (Online) + Deposit Match | $1 Free Play = 100 Points | mychoice |
| BetMGM | $25 No Deposit Bonus | $1 Free Play = 100 Points | MGM Rewards |
| Caesars Palace Online | $10 Free + 100% Deposit Match | $1 Free Play = 100 Points | Caesars Rewards |
| DraftKings Casino | $50 Casino Credits (No Deposit) | Daily Rewards System | DraftKings Dynasty |
As you can see, DraftKings currently offers a more lucrative no-deposit amount ($50 in casino credits), but Hollywood's integration with the mychoice program makes it easier to convert land-based play into online rewards and vice versa. If you value flexibility between digital and physical gaming, Hollywood holds its own.
Tips to Maximize Your Free Play Value
Getting free play is one thing; getting value out of it is another. Free play credits usually cannot be withdrawn themselves - you can only withdraw the winnings generated from them. This means you should treat free play as a license to take risks. Don't use your $20 in free credits to spin a low-volatility game at $0.20 per spin hoping to grind out a profit. Instead, bump your bet up to $1 or $2. You're not spending your own money, so the volatility is your friend. If you hit a bonus round or a line hit, the payout will be significantly higher, and once the free play is gone, you walk away without having lost a cent of your own bankroll.
Another overlooked strategy: timing your visits. Casinos often push out free play offers via email or direct mail during their slowest periods. If you haven't visited in a few months, don't be surprised if you receive a "We Miss You" offer containing $25 or $50 in free slot play to lure you back. Letting your account go dormant for 60-90 days can sometimes trigger these retention offers.
FAQ
Do you have to pay taxes on free play winnings?
Yes. The IRS treats free play winnings the same as any other gambling winnings. If you hit a jackpot of $1,200 or more using free play credits, the casino will issue a W-2G form, and you are legally required to report those winnings on your tax return. The initial free play credit itself is not considered taxable income - only the profit you make from it.
Can I use mychoice points at other casinos?
Yes. mychoice is a tiered loyalty network that partners with several casino brands across the US, including Barstool Sportsbook & Casino and other PENN Entertainment properties. Points earned at Hollywood Casino can be redeemed at participating venues, though the redemption options may vary depending on the specific property.
Does free play expire?
It can. If you download free play credits to a slot machine but don't use them within a specific timeframe (usually 24-48 hours), they may disappear from your balance. Additionally, if your mychoice account remains inactive for an extended period (typically 12 months or more), your points may expire or be forfeited according to the program's terms and conditions.
How do I get free play without making a deposit?
Look for the no deposit sign-up bonus on the Hollywood Casino online app. By registering a new account and verifying your identity, you can often claim a small amount of free credit ($10 is standard). Physically, you might receive free play offers in the mail simply for signing up for a mychoice card, but these are less guaranteed and depend on current property-specific marketing campaigns.
