EX-23.1 3 a2227713zex-23_1.htm EX-23.1
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1)
  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-176723) pertaining to the 2008 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan,
(2)
  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-157669) pertaining to the 2008 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan,
(3)
  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-108173) pertaining to the 2003 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan,
(4)
  Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-198135) pertaining to the 2008 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan, and
(5)
  Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-186366) of Penn National Gaming, Inc. and Subsidiaries;

of our reports dated March 15, 2016, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Penn National Gaming, Inc. and Subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Penn National Gaming, Inc. and Subsidiaries, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Penn National Gaming, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2015.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
March 15, 2016

QuickLinks

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm