SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                         Washington, D.C. 20549

                                FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

              For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997

                                   OR

[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

         For the transition period from ________ to ___________

                     Commission file number: 0-24206


                       Penn National Gaming, Inc.
                        (Exact Name of Registrant
                      as Specified in its Charter)

                        Pennsylvania                  23-2234473
              (State or other jurisdiction of     (I.R.S. Employer
              incorporation or organization)      Identification No.)


                       Penn National Gaming, Inc.
                           825 Berkshire Blvd.
                           Wyomissing, PA 19610
                (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

                               610-373-2400
          (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code:)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No



                                     (1)





Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Title                                  Outstanding as of August 12, 1997

Common stock par value .01 per share              15,126,070
                                       ---------------------












This Report contains  forward-looking  statements that inherently  involve risks
and  uncertainties.  The Company's  actual results could differ  materially from
those  anticipated  in these  forward-looking  statements as a result of certain
factors,  including  those  discussed in this Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q and
those discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K. References to "Penn
National  Gaming" or the "Company"  include Penn National  Gaming,  Inc. and its
subsidiaries.




                                     (2)





               PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                  INDEX



PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                         Page

Item 1. Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets -                                         4-5
  June 30, 1997 (unaudited) and December 31, 1996

Consolidated Statements of Income -                                     6
  Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited)

Consolidated Statements of Income -                                     7
  Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited)

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity -                        8
  Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 (unaudited)

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow -                                9-10
  Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 (unaudited)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                          11-14

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial          15-18
  Condition and Results of Operations

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8 - K                            19
- -------------------------------------------







                                     (3)





PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

                       PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (In thousands, except share data)






                                          June 30, 1997  December 31, 1996
                                            (Unaudited)
                                                              
Assets
Current Assets
  Cash                                        $   4,827           $  5,634
  Accounts receivable                             3,137              4,293
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets       3,838              1,552
  Deferred income taxes                              58                 90
                                              ---------            -------

Total current assets                             11,860             11,569
                                               --------             ------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost
  Land and improvements                          18,120             15,728
  Buildings and improvements                     46,941             30,484
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment              12,430              8,937
  Transportation equipment                          477                366
  Leasehold improvements                          6,703              6,680
  Leased equipment under capitalized lease          824              1,626
  Construction in progress                       12,702              2,926
                                               --------            -------
                                                 98,197             66,747
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  9,313              8,029
                                                -------            -------

Net property and equipment                       88,884             58,718
                                              ---------            -------

Other assets
  Excess of cost over fair market value of assets
acquired (Net of accumulated amortization of
$1,111 and $811, respectively)                   23,525             21,885
  Prepaid acquisition costs                           -              1,764
  Deferred financing costs                        1,860              2,416
  Miscellaneous                                     874                371
                                               --------             ------
Total other assets                               26,259             26,436
                                              ---------            -------
                                              $ 127,003           $ 96,723
                                               ========            =======

       See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements



                                     (4)






                       PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC.
                       CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                    (In thousands, except share data)



                                        June 30, 1997
                                          (Unaudited)    December 31, 1996
                                                                 
Liabilities and Shareholders'
  Equity
Current Liabilities
  Current maturities of long-
  term debt and Capital lease
obligations                                  $  3,259              $ 1,563
  Accounts payable                              9,546                5,066
  Purses due horseman                           1,879                1,421
  Uncashed pari-mutuel tickets                    749                1,336
  Accrued expenses                              1,963                1,880
  Customer deposits                               681                  420
  Taxes, other than income taxes                  349                  392
  Income Taxes                                  1,178                  -
                                              -------              -------
Total current liabilities                      19,604               12,078
                                              -------              -------

Long-term liabilities
Long-term debt and capital
  lease obligations, Net of
  current maturities                           41,622               45,954
Deferred income taxes                          10,926               10,810
                                              -------              -------

Total long-term liabilities                    52,548               56,764
                                              -------              -------
Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value,
  1,000,000 shares authorized:
  none issued                                       -                    -
Common stock, $.01 par value,
  20,000,000 shares authorized:
  15,125.970 and 13,355,290
  issued and outstanding                          151                  134
Additional paid in capital                     38,009               14,299
Retained earnings                              16,763               13,448
Treasury Stock, 4,320 shares at cost             (72)                    -
                                              -------              -------
Total Shareholders' equity                     54,851               27,881
                                              -------              -------
                                             $127,003              $96,723
                                             ========              =======


       See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements



                                     (5)






               PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  (In thousands, except per share data)
                               (Unaudited)



                                                      Six Months Ended
                                                            June 30,
                                                      1997           1996
                                                                 
Revenues                                                
  Pari-mutuel revenues
  Live races                                       $11,397         $ 9,672
  Import simulcasting                               31,338          15,509
  Export simulcasting                                3,395           1,776
Admissions, programs and other racing revenues       2,824           2,048
Concession revenues                                  3,450           1,601
                                                   -------         -------
Total revenues                                      52,404          30,606
                                                   -------         -------
Operating expenses
  Purses, stakes and trophies                       10,318           6,448
  Direct salaries, payroll taxes and
       employee benefits                             7,420           3,967
  Simulcast expenses                                 5,881           4,680
  Pari-mutuel taxes                                  4,419           2,630
  Other direct meeting expenses                      8,499           4,478
  Off-track wagering concessions expenses            2,640           1,045
  Other operating expenses                           5,435           2,485
                                                   -------         -------

Total operating expenses                            44,612          25,733
                                                    ------         -------
Income from operations                               7,792           4,873
                                                   -------         -------
Other income (expenses)
  Interest (expense)                               (1,675)            (38)
  Interest income                                      158             153
  Other                                                (4)               -
                                                   -------         -------
Total other income (expenses)                      (1,521)             115
                                                   -------         -------
Income before income taxes                           6,271           4,988
Taxes on income                                      2,573           2,024
                                                   -------         -------
Income before extraordinary item                     3,698           2,964
                                                   -------         -------
Extraordinary item
Loss on early extinguishment
  of debt, net of income taxes of $264                 383              -
                                                   -------         -------
Net income                                         $ 3,315         $ 2,964
                                                   =======         =======
Earnings per share before extraordinary item       $  0.24         $  0.22
                                                   -------         -------
Earnings per share                                 $  0.22         $  0.22
                                                   -------         -------
Weighted average common shares outstanding          15,319          13,596
                                                   =======         =======


              See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements



                                     (6)






               PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                  (In thousands, except per share data)
                               (Unaudited)




                                                      Three Months Ended
                                                           June 30,
                                                     1997            1996
                                                               
Revenues
  Pari-mutuel revenues
  Live races                                      $ 7,028          $ 5,191
  Import simulcasting                              16,541            7,915
  Export simulcasting                               2,272              926
Admissions, programs and other racing revenues      1,566            1,171
Concession revenues                                 2,177              840
                                                  -------          -------
Total revenues                                     29,584           16,043
                                                  -------          -------
Operating expenses
  Purses, stakes and trophies                       6,116            3,522
  Direct salaries, payroll taxes and
       employee benefits                            4,174            2,058
  Simulcast expenses                                3,045            2,391
  Pari-mutuel expenses                              2,462            1,363
  Other direct meeting expenses                     5,121            2,252
  Off-track wagering concessions expenses           1,674              536
  Other operating expenses                          2,876            1,087
                                                  -------          -------
Total operating expenses                           25,468           13,209
                                                  -------          -------
Income from operations                              4,116            2,834
                                                  -------          -------
Other income (expenses)
  Interest (expenses)                                (775)             (24)
  Interest income                                      72               85
  Other                                               (4)               -
                                                  -------           ------
Total other income (expenses)                       (707)               61
                                                  -------          -------
Income before income taxes                          3,409            2,895
Taxes on income                                     1,395            1,170
                                                  -------          -------
Net income                                        $ 2,014          $ 1,725
                                                  =======          =======

Earnings per share                                $  0.13          $  0.12
                                                  -------          -------

Weighted average common shares outstanding         15,717           13,876
                                                  =======          =======



       See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements



                                     (7)






               PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                    (In thousands, except share data)
                               (Unaudited)




                                Common Stock    Treasury Stock
                                                                   Additional
                                                                      Paid-In
                           Shares    Amounts     Shares    Amounts   Capital     Earnings   Total

                                                                       
Balance, at
     January 1,1997     13,355,290   $   134          -     $    -   $ 14,299    $ 13,448   $ 27,881

Issuance of common stock 1,770,680        17                           23,137                 23,154

Purchase of Treasury Stock
  at cost                                         4,320       (72)                              (72)

Tax benefit related to stock
  options exercised                                                       573                    573


Net income for the six
  months ended
  June 30, 1997                                                                     3,315      3,315

Balance, at
     June 30, 1997      15,125,970   $   151      4,320     $ (72)   $ 38,009    $ 16,763   $ 54,851
                        ==========   =======      =====     ======   ========    ========   ========










                  See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements





                                     (8)






                          PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                                        (In thousands)
                                          (Unaudited)



                                                        Six Months Ended
                                                            June 30,
                                                      1997            1996
                                                                 
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income                                      $  3,315         $ 2,964
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
  provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization                        1,660             592
Extraordinary item, loss on early extinguishment
  of debt, before income tax benefit                   647               -
  Deferred income taxes                                148             102

Decrease (Increase) in
  Accounts receivable                                1,156          (1,174)
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets         (2,286)           (704)
  Miscellaneous other assets                          (503)           (252)
Increase (decrease) in
  Accounts payable                                   4,480           1,126
  Purses due horsemen                                  458             128
  Uncashed pari-mutuel tickets                        (587)           (286)
  Accrued expenses                                      83               8
  Customer deposits                                    261             210
  Taxes other than income taxes                        (43)            (54)
  Income Taxes                                       1,178            (265)
                                                  --------         -------

Net cash provided by operating activities            9,967           2,395
                                                  --------         -------

Cash flows from investing activities
  Expenditures for property and equipment          (15,450)         (2,044)
  Acquisition of business,
    (Primarily property and equipment)             (16,000)              -
Increase in prepaid acquisitions cost                 (176)              -
                                                  ---------        -------
Net cash (used in) investing activities            (31,626)         (2,044)
                                                  ---------         -------






                                     (9)






                          PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                                        (In thousands)
                                          (Unaudited)
                                          (Continued)





                                                       Six Months Ended
                                                            June 30,
                                                      1997            1996
                                                               
Cash flows from financing activities
  Proceeds of sale common stock                     23,082           1,486
  Tax benefit related to stock options exercised       573               -
  Proceeds of long term debt                        16,500               -
  Principal payments on long-term debt and         (19,136)            (41)
    capital lease obligations
  Increase in unamortized financing cost              (167)              -
                                                   --------       --------

Net cash provided by financing activities            20,852          1,445
                                                   --------        -------

Net increase (decrease) in cash                        (807)         1,796

Cash, at beginning of period                          5,634          7,514
                                                    -------        -------

Cash, at end of period                             $  4,827       $  9,310
                                                   ========       ========








         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements



                                     (10)





                    PENN NATIONAL GAMING , INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                     (UNAUDITED)

1.  Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

              The accompanying  consolidated  financial statements are unaudited
and include the accounts of Penn National Gaming,  Inc., ("Penn") and its wholly
and majority owned subsidiaries,  (collectively, the "Company"). All significant
intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

              In the  opinion of  management,  all  adjustments  (consisting  of
normal recurring  accruals) have been made which are necessary to present fairly
the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 1997 and the results of its
operations  for the six month periods ended June 30, 1997 and 1996.  The results
of operations  experienced for the six month period ending June 30, 1997 are not
necessarily  indicative  of the  results to be  experienced  for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1997.

              The  financial  statements  and related  notes have been  prepared
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Accordingly,  certain information and footnote  disclosures normally included in
financial  statements  prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles  have  been  omitted  pursuant  to such  rules and  regulations.  The
accompanying  notes should  therefore be read in conjunction  with the Company's
December 31, 1996 annual financial statements.



2.  Wagering Information (in thousands):


                                                            Three months ended June 30,

                                                    1997                                1996
                                                    ----                                ----
                                Penn National Pocono Downs Charles Town Total    Penn National
                                                                       
Pari-mutuel wagering in-state on
company live races                   $ 25,084    $ 9,243  $   4,640  $ 38,967       $ 24,798
                                      -------     ------  ---------  --------       --------
Pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasting:
  Import simulcasting from
    other racetracks                   42,603     30,258      6,645    79,506         40,620
  Export simulcasting to out of Pennsylvania
    wagering facilities                38,930      8,827          -    47,757         31,450
                                      -------    -------  ---------- --------       --------
                                       81,533     39,085      6,645   127,263         72,070
                                      -------    -------  ---------  --------       --------
Total pari-mutuel wagering           $106,617    $48,328  $  11,285  $166,230       $ 96,868
                                     ========    =======  =========  ========       ========





                                     (11)





                          PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                          (UNAUDITED)


2.  Wagering Information (in thousands)



                                                Three months ended June 30,

                                            1997                                     1996
                                            ----                                     ----

                              Penn National  Pocono Downs Charles Town  Total    Penn National
                                                                       
Pari-mutuel wagering in-state
 on company live races               $ 47,574    $ 9,243  $   4,640  $ 61,457       $ 46,105
                                      -------     ------  ---------  --------       --------
Pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasting:
  Import simulcasting from
     other racetracks                  85,843     59,510      6,645   151,998         81,451
  Export simulcasting to out of Pennsylvania
    wagering facilities                76,361      8,827          -    85,188         59,788
                                     --------    -------  ---------- --------       --------
                                      162,204     68,337      6,645   237,186        141,239
                                     --------    -------  ---------  --------       --------
Total pari-mutuel wagering           $209,778    $77,580  $  11,285  $298,643       $187,344
                                     ========    =======  =========  ========       ========



3.  Commitments

              At June 30, 1997,  the Company was  contingently  obligated  under
letters of credit  with face  amounts  aggregating  $1,803,700.  The  $1,803,700
consisted of $1,703,700 relating to the horsemen's account balances and $100,000
for Pennsylvania pari-mutuel taxes.

              On June  20,  1997,  the  Company  acquired  options  to  purchase
approximately 100 acres of land in Memphis,  Tennessee for an aggregate purchase
price of $2.7  million.  The Company paid $11,000 to acquire the options and has
the right to extend the options from month to month until June 20, 1998 upon the
payment of $11,000 per month.  The Company is  preparing an  application  to the
Tennessee State Racing Commission for the proposed development of a harness race
track and off-track wagering facility at the site.

              On June 25, 1997, the Company entered into a five-year  technology
agreement with GTECH  Corporation for the  installation and operation of the VLT
system at the Charles Town facility.  The agreement provides for annual payments
equal to the facility's net win  multiplied by a percentage  which  decreases as
the net win per day per machine at the facility increases.





                                     (12)





                   PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

4.  Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

              Cash paid  during the six months  ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 for
interest was $2,051,000 and $30,000, respectively.

              Cash paid  during the six months  ended June 30, 1997 and 1996 for
income taxes was $629,000 and $1,616,000, respectively.

              For the six months ended June 30, 1997,  the Company  reclassified
approximately  $1.9 million of prepaid  acquisition costs to excess of cost over
fair market value of net assets acquired.

5.  Common Stock

              In  February  1997,  the  Company  completed  a  secondary  public
offering  of  1,725,000  shares of its common  stock.  The net  proceeds  of $23
million were used to repay $19 million of term loans  outstanding  under the $75
million  credit   facility  and  to  finance  a  portion  of  the  cost  of  the
refurbishment  of the Charles Town Races facility.  In connection with such debt
repayment,  the Company incurred an extraordinary  loss of $383,000 after taxes,
consisting primarily of the write-off of deferred finance costs.

6.  Acquisitions

              On January 15, 1997,  an 89% - owned Company  subsidiary  acquired
substantially  all of the assets of Charles  Town  Races for  approximately  $16
million  plus  acquisition-related  fees  and  expenses  of  approximately  $1.9
million.

              On March 26,  1997,  the  Company  entered  into an  agreement  to
purchase property for its proposed  Carbondale,  Pennsylvania OTW facility.  The
agreement  provides for a purchase  price of $200,000 and is subject to numerous
contingencies,  including  approval by the  Pennsylvania  State  Harness  Racing
Commission.  On June 5, 1997,  the  Company's  application  was  approved by the
Racing  Commission,  the Company  expects to have the facility  constructed  and
operational in the fourth quarter of 1997.




                                     (13)





                   PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)

7.  Subsequent Items

              On July 8, 1997,  the Company  entered into a lease  agreement for
the Hazleton  OTW  facility.  The lease is for 13,000  square feet at the Laurel
Mall in Hazleton,  Pennsylvania.  The initial term of the lease is for ten years
with two  additional  five-year  renewal  options  available.  The  agreement is
subject to numerous contingencies,  including approval by the Pennsylvania State
Harness  Racing  Commission.  On  July  10,  1997,  the  Company  submitted  its
application for such approval. If approved by the Racing Commission, the Company
expects to have the facility  constructed  and operational in the fourth quarter
of 1997.



                                     (14)






Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
of Operations

Three months ended June 30, 1997 compared to three months ended June 30, 1996

              Total revenue  increased by  approximately  $13.5 million or 84.4%
from $16.1  million to $29.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997 as
compared  to the three  months  ended June 30,  1996.  Pocono  Downs,  which was
acquired  in the fourth  quarter  of 1996,  accounted  for $10.1  million of the
increase.  Charles Town Races,  which was purchased in January of 1997 and began
racing operations on April 30, 1997, accounted for $2.9 million of the increase.
In  addition,  revenues  at Penn  National  Race  Course and its OTW  facilities
increased by $547,000.  This  increase was  primarily due to the receipt of $2.5
million in  revenues  at the  Company's  new OTW  facilities  in  Lancaster  and
Williamsport,  offset by a decrease of $2.0 million at the thoroughbred track in
Grantville and the other OTW facilities.  Management  believes that the decrease
in revenues at the Penn National OTW facilities was primarily due to the opening
of a  competitor's  OTW facility and the opening of the Company's  Lancaster OTW
facility.

              Total operating expenses increased by approximately  $12.3 million
or 93.2% from $13.2 million to $25.5 million for the three months ended June 30,
1997 as compared  to the three  months  ended June 30,  1996.  Pocono  Downs and
Charles Town Races accounted for $8.3 million and $3.0 million of this increase,
respectively.  Penn  National  Race  Course  and  its  OTW  facility  operations
accounted  for $1.0  million  of the  total  operating  expense  increase.  This
increase  was  primarily  due to $1.9  million  in  operating  expenses  for the
Company's new OTW facilities in Lancaster and Williamsport  offset by a decrease
in purses,  pari-mutuel taxes, simulcast expenses, and direct salaries,  payroll
taxes, and employees  benefits at the  thoroughbred  track in Grantville and the
other OTW facilities due to decreased revenues.

              Income from operations  increased by approximately $1.3 million or
45.2% from $2.8  million to $4.1  million  due to the factors  described  above.
Other   expenses  for  the  three  months  ended  June  30,  1997  consisted  of
approximately  $775,000 in interest  expense  (primarily due to the financing of
the Pocono Downs  acquisition)  compared to $24,000 in interest  expense for the
three months ended June 30, 1996.

              Income tax expense increased from $1.2 million to $1.4 million due
to the increase in income for the period.

              Net income increased by approximately  $300,000 or 16.7% from $1.7
million to $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997 compared to the
three months ended June 30, 1996 based on the factors described above.



                                     (15)





Six months ended June 30, 1997 compared to six months ended June 30, 1996

              Total revenue  increased by  approximately  $21.8 million or 71.2%
from $30.6  million to $52.4  million for the six months  ended June 30, 1997 as
compared to the six months ended June 30, 1996. Pocono Downs, which was acquired
in the fourth  quarter of 1996,  accounted  for $17.3  million of the  increase.
Charles  Town Races,  which was  purchased  in January of 1997 and began  racing
operations on April 30, 1997,  accounted  for $2.9 million of the  increase.  In
addition,  revenues at Penn National Race Course and its OTW facilties increased
by $1.6 million.  This increase was primarily due to the receipt of $4.7 million
in revenues at the Company's new OTW  facilities in Lancaster and  Williamsport,
offset by a decrease of $3.1 million at the thoroughbred track in Grantville and
the other OTW  facilities.  Management  believes  that the  decrease at the Penn
National OTW facilities  was primarily due to the opening of a competitor's  OTW
facility and the opening of the Company's Lancaster OTW facility.

              Total operating expenses increased by approximately  $18.9 million
or 73.4% from $25.7  million to $44.6  million for the six months ended June 30,
1997 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 1996. Pocono Downs and Charles
Town  Races  accounted  for $13.8  million  and $3.0  million  of this  increase
respectively.  Penn  National  Race  Course  and  its  OTW  facility  operations
accounted  for $2.1  million  of the  total  operating  expense  increase.  This
increase  was  primarily  due to $3.4  million  in  operating  expenses  for the
Company's new OTW facilities in Lancaster and Williamsport  offset by a decrease
in purses,  pari-mutuel taxes, simulcast expenses, and direct salaries,  payroll
taxes, and employees  benefits at the  thoroughbred  track in Grantville and the
other OTW facilities due to decreased revenues.

              Income from operations  increased by approximately $2.9 million or
59.9% from $4.9  million to $7.8  million  due to the factors  described  above.
Other expenses for the six months ended June 30, 1997 consisted of approximately
$1.7 million in interest  expense  (primarily due to the financing of the Pocono
Downs  acquisition)  compared to $38,000 in interest  expense for the six months
ended June 30, 1996.

              Income tax expense increased from $2.0 million to $2.6 million due
to the increase in income for the period.

              The   extraordinary   item  consisted  of  a  loss  on  the  early
extinguishment  of debt in the  amount of  $383,000  net of income  taxes.  This
resulted from the Company's receiving approximately $23 million as proceeds from
the February 1997 equity offering and using  approximately $19 million to reduce
long-term debt.




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              Net income increased by approximately  $351,000 or 11.8% from $3.0
million to $3.3 million for the six months  ended June 30, 1997  compared to the
six months ended June 30, 1996 based on the factors described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

              Historically,  the  Company's  primary  sources of  liquidity  and
capital resources have been cash flow from operations and borrowings from banks.
During the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Company's cash position decreased
by  approximately  $800,000 due primarily to the  renovation  project at Charles
Town Races.

              Net cash provided from operating activities totaled  approximately
$10.0  million for the six months ended June 30,  1997.  Net income and non-cash
expenses  provided  $5.6 million and $1.3 million came from the repayment of the
Charles Town Races loan  receivable in January 1997. The balance of $3.1 million
was generated by other changes in working capital.

              Cash  flows used in  investing  activities  totaled  approximately
$31.6 million.  Acquisition costs for the purchase of Charles Town Races totaled
$16.0  million and  construction  in progress and equipment for the Charles Town
facility  totaled  approximately  $13.0 million.  Capital  expenditures  for the
completion of the  Williamsport  OTW facility was $700,000.  The balance of $1.9
million represents other necessary ongoing capital expenditures.

              Cash flows from financing  activities totaled  approximately $20.9
million of which was generated  from the secondary  equity  offering in February
1997 and the exercise of options  that  resulted in the issuance of 1,756 shares
of common  stock.  The Company  also  received  $16.5  million in proceeds  from
long-term debt to use as payment for the Charles Town acquisition on January 15,
1997.  The Company used $19.0 million of the proceeds from the offering to repay
a  portion  of  its  bank  debt.  The  remaining   amount  of  the  proceeds  of
approximately  $4.0 million was used for the  refurbishment  of the Charles Town
facility.

              During  the  balance  of 1997,  the  Company  anticipates  capital
expenditures  of   approximately   $4.0  million,   exclusive  of  the  cost  of
refurbishing  the Charles Town  Facility  (described  below),  to construct  two
additional  OTW  facilities  and   approximately   $500,000  for  other  capital
expenditures  and  improvements  to existing  facilities  for Penn National Race
Course and Pocono  Downs.  Under the  Company  Credit  Facility,  the Company is
permitted to make capital  expenditures  (not including the refurbishment of the
Charles Town Facility or the cost of gaming  machines to be installed  there) of
$12.0 million in 1997, $4.0 million in 1998 and $2.0 million in 1999 and in each
year thereafter.  The Company anticipates expending  approximately $18.5 million
on the refurbishment of the Charles Town Facility  (excluding the cost of gaming
machines), of



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which $13.0 million had already been expended through June 30, 1997. On July 15,
1997, the Company  borrowed an additional  $3.5 million under the Company Credit
Facility for Charles Town refurbishment costs.

              The  Company  currently  estimates  that the net  proceeds  of the
equity offering, together with the cash generated from operations and borrowings
under its Credit Facility,  will be sufficient to finance its current operations
and  planned  capital  expenditure  requirements.  There  can  be no  assurance,
however,  that the Company will not be required to seek capital,  in addition to
that available from the foregoing  sources.  The Company may, from time to time,
seek additional  funding through public or private  financing,  including equity
financing.  There can be no assurance that adequate funding will be available as
needed or, if available, on terms acceptable to the Company. If additional funds
are raised by issuing equity  securities,  existing  shareholders may experience
dilution.



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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION



Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   (a)   Exhibits

            10.62.  Agreement dated June 25, 1997, between PNGI Charles Town
                    Gaming Limited Liability Company and GTECH Corporation.

            10.63.  Purchase Option dated June 20, 1997 between the Company and
                    Alan J. Aste.

            10.64.  Purchase Option dated June 20, 1997 between the Company and
                    Joyce M. Peck.

            10.65.  Purchase Option dated June 20 1997 between the Company and
                    Roosevelt Boyland Devisees.




              (b)   Reports on Form 8-K

                    None





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                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
Registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                            PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC.


                                            By:/s/ Robert S. Ippolito
  Date August 12, 1997                         Robert S. Ippolito
                                               Chief Financial Officer
                                               Secretary/Treasurer




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                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



Exhibit Nos.       Description of Exhibits                      Page No.
10.62              Agreement dated June 25, 1997, betweenPNGI        22
                   Charles Town Gaming Limited Liability Company
                   and GTECH Corporation.
10.63              Purchase Option dated June 20 1997 between the    42
                   Company and Roosevelt Boyland Devisees.
10.64              Purchase Option dated June 20, 1997 between the   46
                   Company and Joyce M. Peck.
10.65              Purchase Option dated June 20, 1997 between the   51
                   Company and Alan J. Aste.




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