Guard Changes at Hollywood Casino

The management at Hollywood Casino Perryville is changing as the Hollywood Casino chain adjusts for expansion.

Bill Hayles takes over as general manager of the Perryville casino, replacing Himbert Sinopoli, who had served as the general manager since February 2010, according to a statement from Penn National Gaming.

Hayles has 21 years of experience in hospitality and gaming, having served as the assistant general manager at Charles Town Races since February 2010. He was the general manager at Zia Park from 2007 until joining Charles Town in 2010. Before joining Penn National, Hayles worked out of Atlantic City, NJ—in various roles for Harrah's Entertainment and Caesars Entertainment, and in property management for Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Atlantic City.

"Bill Hayles has been a member of the Penn National property management team since 2007 when we acquired Zia Park and played an important role in quickly and successfully integrating that property into the company’s overall portfolio. Over the last year, Bill was a member of the management team at Charles Town that launched the table game operations last summer to tremendous patronage and success," Penn National Gaming President and Chief Operating Officer Timothy Wilmott said in a release.

Sinopoli is taking the post as the general manager of the Hollywood Casino Aurora, in Aurora, IL.

"Himbert tirelessly and successfully managed the start-up and initial operations at the $90 million Hollywood Casino Perryville," Penn National Gaming President and Chief Operating Officer Timothy Wilmott said in a release. "Since opening in Sept. 2010, the facility has seen continued gains in visitation and revenues and is quickly becoming a strong economic engine for Cecil County and the [Town] of Perryville. In addition, we believe Himbert’s work to successfully develop close ties with the local community will serve Penn National well as he takes over at Hollywood Casino Aurora and continues the growth momentum at that property and further establishes it in the Chicagoland market."

The changes were made as Penn National opens in a new market. Hollywood Casino Toledo is scheduled to open in the first half of 2012 as Ohio's first full casino. Richard St. Jean will serve as its first general manager.