Parx Casino and Racing is the largest casino gaming complex in the entire state of Pennsylvania. Initially called Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino, it once operated exclusively as a venue for thoroughbred horse racing. This casino is now owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. It is located in Bensalem and is known for its signature attraction, Xcite Center, a performance venue.
Facts About Parx Casino And Racing
| Year Opened | Racetrack opened in 1974, while the casino opened in 2009 |
| Address | 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020 |
| Phone Number | 888-LUV-PARX |
| Inclusion of Hotel | No |
| Number of Slots | 3,200+ |
| Number of Table Games | 188+ |
| Minimum Age for Gambling | 21 years old |
Online Gambling & Sports Betting Options At Parx Casino?
In October 2018, Parx Casino and Racing obtained its sports betting license. By November, the casino announced plans for the Parx Sportsbook and slated it to open in 2019. Prior to the sportsbook’s completion, sports betting occurred at the Club 360 bar.
A test opening of the sports betting occurred on January 8, 2019.? The permanent opening occurred two days later. The sportsbooks in this casino is 7,400 square feet in size and has a high-definition media wall that can broadcast 36 games at the same time. Betting is available for basketball, baseball, football, hockey, MMA, soccer, and golf.
Check out our comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania Sports Betting.
The casino added online gambling options later that year, with a soft launch occurring on July 15. The permanent launch took place soon after on July 18, 2019. Parx Casino and Racing?s online gambling currently includes table games and slot machines, and poker is expected to launch at a later date.
History Of Parx Casino And Racing
Parx Casino and Racing, originally known as Keystone Racetrack, opened in 1974 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. It replaced the Liberty Bell Park Racetrack as the main place for thoroughbred racing in Northeast Philly. In 1984, the property was sold and became Philadelphia Park. Around the same time, a new wagering option called Phonebet arose along with a new turf course.
At the end of 1990, Greenwood Racing, Inc., purchased the track. The company added full card simulcasting to the location, along with several Turf Clubs where horse racing fans watched and betted on games every day of the week.
In September 2006, the racetrack obtained a conditional license for slots from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This led to the construction of the casino, which obtained a permanent license in December 2006. The casino then offered thousands of slot machines, electronic table games, and video poker.
In 2010, Parx Racing introduced table games, including craps, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. During that same year, the casino unveiled Parx East and became a grandstand name while offering additional gambling options to patrons.
A new poker room and the Xcite Center launched in 2018. The poker room, which opened on January 11, included more than 48 tables. The Xcite Center opened a few days later on January 13. It is an entertainment venue that hosts numerous musicians, comedians, and other performers every year.?
Provided Loyalty Program At Parx Casino And Racing
Xclub is the loyalty program provided by Parx Casino and Racing, and it’s entirely free to sign up. The loyalty program includes new member offers, sweepstakes entries, free slot play, perks, points, and more. There are three different levels of the loyalty program including:
- Players Xclub ? 0 to 999 credits
- Premium Xclub ? 1,000 to 7,499 credits
- Elite Xclub ? 7,500+ credits
As members play games, dine or drink, or access entertainment at the casino, they accumulate points. The more points a member accumulates, the higher they rank in the program, and the more perks they will enjoy. Those who are part of the Elite rank, for example, benefit from priority lines at Xclub, priority reservations at bars and restaurants, and next car up valet service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parx Casino and Racing open at all hours?
Yes. Like nearly all gambling institutions in Pennsylvania, Parx Casino and Racing is open 24-hours a day for gambling. In addition to being open at all hours of the day, the casino is open every day of the year, including major holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
When did the casino first open?
November 4, 1974. This casino began as a thoroughbred horse racing location and has been open for several decades. It?s owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. The hotel received a slots licenses in 2006, added table games in 2010, and opened a new poker room in January 2018. This casino now offers sports betting and online gambling options as well.
Is sports betting offered at the casino?
Yes. Parx Casino and Racing obtained its sports betting license in late 2018. Soon thereafter, it built a $10 million sportsbook, the Parx Sportsbook. Before the permanent installation was completed, the casino operated a temporary sportsbook. The new sportsbook has an HD media wall, a bar, hundreds of seats, teller windows, VIP areas, and automated kiosks.
What restaurants are available at the casino?
There are nearly a dozen restaurants available at Parx Casino and Racing. Eight of them are located in the main building, while Paddock Grill is in Parx East. Dining options at the casino include Parxgrill, Liberty Bell Gastropub, Beer Garden, Bambu Noodle House, Xlounge, the Lucky Cheese, Foodies, and Chickie?s & Pete?s. There are options for everyone ranging from casual fare to fine dining restaurants.
Is a poker room included at the casino?
Yes. The new Parx Poker Room is located inside the main casino building for convenience. It has more than 48 tables with high-quality finishes, over 20 HD televisions, and a three table VIP area for high-limit poker. During certain hours, the highest hand played in a 30 minute period wins an extra monetary prize. There are also monthly grand prize drawings available at Parx Casino and Racing.
What major city is the closest to the casino?
The closest major city is Jersey City, New Jersey, which is about 63 miles from the casino. New York City is only 65 miles away. Other major cities include Baltimore, which is 104 miles, Washington DC, which is 138 miles, and Virginia Beach, which is 231 miles from the casino.
Is the casino smoke-free?
No. Parx Casino and Racing is not a smoke-free establishment. However, according to Pennsylvania law, at least half of the gaming area must be free of smoke. Designated smoking areas are located around the casino as well as areas where smoking is not allowed for the comfort of all guests.?
Does the casino enforce a dress code?
No. Parx Casino and Racing does not have a dress code. Guests can wear casual clothing, business casual attire, or formal dress according to their wishes. However, some restaurants at the casino may have dress code expectations, so it?s a good idea to check with them before visiting. People often dress up for horse races, but this is not a requirement.
Does the casino have an attached hotel?
No. Unfortunately, Parx Casino and Racing does not have an attached hotel. While the property offers a casino floor, dining, sports betting, racing, and entertainment, accommodations must be found in the nearby area. Some of the closest options include Holiday Inn Bensalem, Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Bensalem, Inn of the Dove at Bensalem, and Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northwest.
?Is the casino open on Thanksgiving Day??
Yes. Parx Casino and Racing is similar to other casinos in Pennsylvania in that it is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and every single day of the year, including major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.