From the road, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, KS, looks unassuming, almost like a random building sitting within a sports complex. But the moment I stepped inside, I realized it was anything but. With more than 1,500 slot and video poker machines, plenty of table games, a live poker room, and an ESPN BET sportsbook, this property had everything I could ask for as a player.
Gaming floor
Kansas Speedway
Opened in 2012 and operated by PENN Entertainment, Hollywood Casino sits next to the Kansas Speedway, my reason for the visit. I was lucky enough to visit during NASCAR weekend, which happens twice a year. This was my first time experiencing NASCAR, and all I can say is WOW! From the tailgating feel and rows of RV’s to the sound of cars racing around the track, this was an experience that I will never forget.
Final Cut Steakhouse
I started off my casino visit with some slot play and ended with dinner at Final Cut Steakhouse. I had the wedge salad for starters and followed with the shrimp and scallop pasta. It was a lot of food, but don’t judge me. Slots can make a girl hungry. The food was delicious, and the service was exceptional.
Since Hollywood doesn’t yet have a hotel (although it’s in future plans), I stayed at its sister property, Argosy Casino & Hotel, which had the most comfortable sheets and pillows ever. Argosy is a quick 16-minute drive across the Missouri state line.
King room at Argosy Casino & Hotel
Flavor of Fall at Turn 2 Sports Bar
The next morning, I returned to Hollywood for race day and of course a bit of gambling. I was lucky enough to attend a VIP party at Turn 2 Sports Bar and Restaurant, which overlooks the Speedway. The energy of the race cars and the excitement of the attendees were electric.
This quick weekend at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway was one of those trips that reminded me why I love exploring casino destinations beyond Vegas. I will definitely be back, but until then … where to next?
Kelly Koffler visited Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speeedway and Argosy Casino & Hotel as a guest of PENN Entertainment.
