New VP named by Penn National Gaming

WYOMISSING, Pennsylvania -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Penn National Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) today announced that Christopher M. McErlean, 39, has been named Vice President of Racing, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Mr. McErlean will be responsible for working with Penn National's property level management in overseeing all racing operations at the Company's six racetracks and six off-track wagering facilities. He will be based at the Hollywood Casino at Penn National, an integrated racing and gaming facility currently under construction outside of Harrisburg, Pa., and will report directly to Penn National Gaming Senior Vice President, Regional Operations, John Finamore.

Mr. McErlean brings over fourteen years of pari-mutuel racing industry experience to his new position at Penn National, having most recently served as Vice President - Racing Operations of both The Meadowlands and Monmouth Park Racetracks in New Jersey. During his tenure, Mr. McErlean helped develop and implement a recent $40 million capital improvement plan as well as departmental and capital budgets for both tracks while supervising over 1,500 employees. He was also responsible for the direct supervision of the Meadowlands Racetrack operating and revenue departments as the track generated $480 million in wagering handle in 2005.

John Finamore commented, "Chris joins Penn National at a very exciting time of growth and expansion of Penn National's racing interests. In addition to expanding racing operations at Bangor Raceway, we continue to develop our Charles Town facility, we recently announced our proposed acquisition of Zia Park in New Mexico and have embarked on creating a world class integrated racing and gaming facility in Pennsylvania at Penn National Racecourse."

Chris McErlean added, "With a long term commitment to the horse racing industry and a nationally diversified portfolio of tracks in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, West Virginia, Maine, New Jersey and Ohio, Penn National is an ideal organization for me to leverage my background and experience. I look forward to representing the company in its racing related pursuits and operations and contributing to the company's continued growth."