Cover Page - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	0-24206
Entity Registrant Name	PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	PA
Entity Tax Identification Number	23-2234473
Entity Address, Address Line One	825 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 200
Entity Address, City or Town	Wyomissing,
Entity Address, State or Province	PA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	19610
City Area Code	610
Local Phone Number	373-2400
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	PENN
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Smaller Reporting Company	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		116,798,121
Entity Central Index Key	0000921738
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false