Hollywood Lights, Slots, Action: A Hollywood Casino Bangor Podcast

On Labor Day of 2024, Marc Guastella was welcomed into the Hollywood Casino family, and now, almost 3 years later, we are saying our goodbyes. He's preparing to wave goodbye to the Pine Tree State and will be moving on to bring his leadership and expertise to Massachusetts. But with the time we have left, on this special episode of Lights, Slots, Action , our hosts reflect on Marc's story: what in...

The Queen City is a hotspot for fun, and there is no better authority on Bangor's entertainment appeal than Dan Cashman. On this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , Marc and Alton talk with him about the offerings of Bangor as a city, Bangor as a culture, and how Hollywood Casino works to augment and elevate the experience in every way, shape, and form. 3 Key Takeaways: Party From The Past — Marc,...

Open those doors and break out the boards, because on this episode of Lights, Slots, Action, Marc and Alton welcome back onto the show Chris Kirk, Hollywood Casino's Director of Operations, to talk about the art of the cards. Do you have what it takes to be a certified table games dealer? You might just! 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Where Do I Sign Up? –  Chris talks about how easy it is to start being a t...

Hollywood Casino is proud to hold one of the finest hotels in all of Bangor, strictly A-list in comfort, amenities, and atmosphere. This is all thanks to Dwayne Barber and his tireless hospitality team— And on his second episode of Lights, Slots, Action , he talks with Marc and Alton about the view of the Penobscot, the wonderful food, the excellent atmosphere, and everything else that Hollywood h...

A game is only as good as its rules, and no community can exist without compliance. On this episode of  Lights, Slots, Action , Marc and Alton talk with Melissa McRae, Hollywood Casino Bangor's Compliance Manager, to talk about the important business of rules and regulations: the ones set by the state, the ones set by the business, and the ones set by individuals, too. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: The Stat...

There's nothing like the sound of hooves hitting dirt, the smell of fresh grass in the air, or the sight of the chariots speeding across the crown of Queen City. It's the Hollywood Casino Raceway, a major touchstone in the history of Bangor for over a century, and a source of fun and excitement for generations! On this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , Marc and Alton talk with Tommy Smith, racing...

There's big business, and then there's big business. On this episode of  Lights, Slots, Action , Marc and Alton discuss the ins and outs of Hollywood Casino... literally! Managing one hundred and thirty-seven thousand square feet of game floor and hotel is a little more than a handful, but luckily, there's a dedicated and capable team behind the scenes who are there to keep this big business up an...

Numbers are fun when you do them right: the floor's jackpots and winning streaks only happen because of the house's expenditures and spreadsheets. On this episode of Hollywood Lights, Slots, Action , Marc and Alton bring along Hollywood Casino's Planning and Analysis Manager, Jacob Henry, to talk about boards- both the betting and business kind! 3 Key Takeaways: The Holmes of Hollywood — Jacob wal...

It's the funniest thing...! At Hollywood Casino Bangor, the jokers aren't just cards on the table, but cards on the stage as well. On this episode, Marc and Alton (wise guys in their own right) talk with Adam Hatch, one of Hollywood Casino's resident comics, and talk about stage fright, the different styles of comedy, and where Maine fits in a funny, funny world. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: The Winding Ro...

It takes a lot of people to run a casino, from the dealers to the chefs, to the managers and the custodians. If even one of these positions couldn't function, the whole casino would be at a standstill. Joined by Kim Jenkins, Director of Human Resources at Hollywood Casino, Alton and Marc talk about the people who keep the wheels spinning, keep the dice rolling, and keep Hollywood alive.   🔑 3 Key...

Hollywood Casino Bangor sits proudly on the waterfront, overlooking the sprawling inner city area. Just as much as Hollywood Casino has made downtown Bangor better, downtown has made Hollywood Casino what it is today. Joined by Betsy Lundy from Downtown Bangor Partnership, Alton and Marc dig into the core of Bangor and talk about what it is that makes the Queen City truly rule.  🔑 3 Key Takeaways...

You can play cards, you can have a slot machine, you can even have a table for craps, but no casino is complete without the black-and-red wonder of the Roulette wheel. On this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , Marc and Alton bring along Danny Dickison, Casino Operations Manager at Hollywood, to walk through the ins and outs of the Roulette game, and you'll be on a roll in no time! 🔑 3 Key Takeaw...

The heart and soul of Hollywood Casino is found in the people who make up the staff. The individuals who get stuff done around the building owe a lot to their team leaders, and those team leaders owe a lot to those who taught them how to lead. On this episode, Alton and Marc talk about the art of developing talent, and talent which is the art of development.  🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Clear Communicatio...

There's a lot more to Hollywood than the Casino. Here to talk about what happens in the non-gaming side of life is Dwayne Barber, Director of Hospitality for Hollywood Casino Bangor. Alton, Marc, and Dwayne take us on a journey, talking about Zombie Dogs, Hop's House, hotel suits, and special packages– all sorts of creature comforts and more can be found at Hollywood Casino Bangor! 🔑 3 Key Takeaw...

New Year's Eve is the biggest day of the year for casinos — a celebration of the luck behind us and the excitement ahead. This year's countdown is extra special as Hollywood Casino Bangor celebrated its 20th anniversary. Join us as we ring in the new year with promotions, prizes, and unforgettable moments at Hollywood Casino Bangor. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: New Year's Eve - The busiest time of year for...

In this episode of  Lights, Slots, Action , Alton and Marc talk about giving back. Hollywood Casino is tied to the history and the people of Bangor, and that's not just one way: charity, parity, and support for local businesses is the lifeblood of Hollywood Casino, and community is the backbone which helps it stand strong.   🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Economic Jackpot – For around 300 people, Hollywood C...

Craps is the king of the casino scene, and it's coming home to Hollywood! But don't step up to the table before you know what you're doing, because this table game has many sides to it… Six, in fact! If you don't know crap about craps, Alton, Marc, and their guest Chris Kirk will clue you in, and you'll be setting points like a pro in no time at all! 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: Live Games Return  – Tradit...

Do you remember back when it was Hollywood Slots ? Back when it was a simple race track? In this episode of  Lights, Slots, Action , Alton and Marc are joined by the illustrious Dan Cashman to celebrate the 20th birthday of Bangor's favorite casino. Take a seat at the table as the three reflect on how Hollywood made its way to the "right side of downtown".   🔑 3 Key Takeaways: 20 Years of Gaming...

Why do casinos run promotions, and how do they decide which ones make the cut? In this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , Alton and Marc dive into the planning, strategy, and customer feedback that shape Hollywood Casino Bangor's promotions calendar. From hot seats to sweepstakes to jackpot frenzies, get the inside story on how promotions are designed to bring energy, value, and fun to every visit...

Blackjack isn't just the most popular table game—it's also one of the most approachable and fun. In this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , Alton and Marc welcome back Chris Kirk, Director of Operations at Hollywood Casino Bangor, to break down how to play, what to expect at the tables, and how to make the most of your blackjack experience. From side bets to signals, this episode covers it all for...

Electronic pull tabs have been making headlines in Maine, but what are they really—and what could they mean for the state's gaming industry, economy, and communities? In this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , Alton and Marc welcome back special guest Dan Cashman to unpack the proposed legislation, the differences (or lack thereof) between pull tabs and slot machines, and why regulation and voter...

Do new machines really pay out more? Is there a "jackpot switch" hiding in the back? In this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , Alton and Marc take on the biggest myths and misconceptions about casinos. From slot randomness to roulette "systems," they break down what's fact, what's fiction, and why the thrill of gaming comes from its unpredictability. 🔑 3 Key Takeaways: The Truth About Payouts –...

Ever wonder how new slot machines make their way onto the floor at Hollywood Casino Bangor? In this episode of Lights, Slots, Action , hosts Alton and Marc sit down with Chris Kirk, Director of Operations, to reveal the secrets behind slot selection, placement, and the trends driving today's hottest games. From towering 14-foot machines to classic reels, discover how your favorite games are chosen...

Ever wondered how to get the most out of your visits to Hollywood Casino Bangor? In this debut episode of Lights, Slots, Action , hosts Alton (Director of Marketing) and Marc (General Manager) pull back the curtain on how casino offers really work. From slot play to table games to hotel stays, they share the inside strategies every guest should know to maximize rewards and enjoy all the benefits o...