Document Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	PENN NATIONAL GAMING INC
Trading Symbol	PENN
Entity Central Index Key	0000921738
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Smaller Reporting Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		117,138,924