| Cover | Aug. 04, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 4, 2021 |
| Entity File Number | 0-24206 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000921738 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-2234473 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | PA |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 825 Berkshire Blvd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 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 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PENN |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
