UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 8-K

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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 29, 2017

PENN NATIONAL GAMING, INC.

Commission file number 0-24206

Incorporated Pursuant to the Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

IRS Employer Identification No. 23-2234473

825 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 200
Wyomissing, PA 19610

610-373-2400

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 5.02.             Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On March 29, 2017, Jay A. Snowden was named President and Chief Operating Officer of Penn National Gaming, Inc. (the “Company”).  Mr. Snowden succeeds Timothy J. Wilmott in the role of President.  Mr. Wilmott will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Snowden, who is 41 years old, joined the Company in October 2011 as Senior Vice President-Regional Operations. In January 2014, Mr. Snowden became the Company’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Snowden is responsible for overseeing all of the Company’s operating businesses, as well as human resources, marketing, and information technology. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Snowden was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Caesars and Harrah’s in Atlantic City, and prior to that, held various leadership positions with them in St. Louis, San Diego and Las Vegas.

There are no transactions in which Mr. Snowden has an interest requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K or any family relationships requiring disclosure under Item 401(d) of Regulation S-K.

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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 hereunto duly authorized.

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