Poker Writer
Pennsylvania state police have charged an employee at Hollywood Casino Penn National Racing Course with allegedly stealing more than $700,000 from the casino.
On March 11, police charged Jennifer Petrillo with diverting a total of $727,446 to her own fake accounts entered through the company’s bookkeeping system. She was a part-time horse racing bookkeeper when the thefts occurred at the casino in Grantville.
The public information release gives details about the allegations against the 51-year old from Palmyra:
In March 2025, the Pennsylvania State Police were contacted by Hollywood Casino Penn National management after they learned about recently reported suspicious activity. An employee from the Hollywood Casino Penn National Horse Racing Office observed numerous discrepancies to possibly include fictitious accounts, unidentified person(s) and/or businesses, improperly completed paperwork, and numerous suspicious transactions.
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Hollywood Casino PA Scheme Began in 2024
The discrepancies were too numerous and consistent to be accidental, and an investigation ensued. State police now believe that the scheme began sometime in the summer of 2024. The first suspicious transaction from the racebook’s account came in June.
Petrillo was only one of three people who had access to the bookkeeping software. Her job included issuing physical checks on behalf of the casino. The investigation revealed that she conspired with a family member to fraudulently transfer the hundreds of thousands of dollars to falsified accounts.
Fraudulent accounts funded luxury purchases such as spa treatments, plastic surgeries, and even a Tesla Model 3.
Petrillo is charged with nine felonies. They include theft, computer trespassing, forgery, and unlawful use of a computer. Her bail is set for $100,000, and the preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24.
Horse Racing in Pennsylvania
There are six active horse racing tracks in Pennsylvania, three thoroughbred and three harness. They all operate as “racinos” offering live racing and casino gaming.
Hollywood is one of the thoroughbred racing tracks.
It has also hosted poker tournaments in the past, back when the Hollywood Poker Open remained active.
