Parx Casino: Parx Casino, located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, stands today as one of the largest and most successful casinos on the East Coast of the United States. Its journey from a modest horse racing venue to a sprawling gaming and entertainment complex is a story of strategic growth, visionary leadership, and the changing landscape of legalized gambling in Pennsylvania.
🎰 Origins: The Keystone Racetrack
The story of Parx Casino begins not with slot machines and poker tables, but with horse racing. The Keystone Racetrack, the predecessor of Parx, was constructed in the early 1970s.
📅 Timeline of Major Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Keystone Racetrack officially opened as a thoroughbred horse racing venue. |
| 1984 | The racetrack was purchased by ITB (International Thoroughbred Breeders), renamed Philadelphia Park. |
| 1990s | Minor renovations and upgrades were made to accommodate simulcasting and off-track betting. |
| 2004 | Pennsylvania passes Act 71, legalizing slot machine gaming at racetracks (Racinos). |
| 2006 | Philadelphia Park receives its conditional slot machine license. |
| 2009 | Parx Casino officially opens its doors to the public, transforming from racetrack to full-fledged casino. |
| 2010–2020 | Expansions including poker rooms, restaurants, and entertainment venues. |
| 2022 | Parx Shippensburg, a mini-casino, opens as part of brand expansion. |
🏗️ Construction and Opening of Parx Casino
🔨 From Racetrack to Casino
The transformation of Philadelphia Park into Parx Casino was not simply a name change — it was a massive overhaul involving:
- Architectural redesign of the main building
- Creation of a new casino floor
- Installation of gaming infrastructure
- Development of parking and dining facilities
Construction officially began in 2007, following the approval of the casino license. The project cost over $250 million and included:
- A 260,000 sq ft facility
- Over 3,000 slot machines at launch
- Electronic table games
- Dining and bar options
🏁 Opening Date
Parx Casino officially opened on December 18, 2009.
This date marked a pivotal shift in the state’s gaming industry. It became the second casino to open in Pennsylvania after Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.
🎲 Expansion of Offerings
Parx Casino has continued to expand and diversify its offerings to compete with casinos in neighboring states such as New Jersey and Delaware.
🎮 Gaming Overview
| Type of Game | Available Since | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 2009 | Started with ~3,000; now has 3,300+ |
| Electronic Table Games | 2009 | Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat |
| Live Table Games | 2010 | Blackjack, Craps, Roulette |
| Poker Room | 2010 | 48-table poker room, one of the largest in PA |
| Sports Betting | 2019 | Retail sportsbook and online betting through Parx app |
| Online Casino | 2019 | Launched with iGaming approval in PA |
🍽️ Amenities and Entertainment
Beyond gaming, Parx has developed into a full-service entertainment destination.
📋 Amenities Overview
| Category | Feature |
|---|---|
| Dining | Several restaurants including Liberty Bell Gastropub, Oliveto, Xlounge |
| Entertainment | Xcite Center (live music, comedy, boxing, and more) |
| Hotel | New Parx Casino Hotel currently under construction (as of 2025) |
| Parking | Free self-parking, valet services available |
| Events & Promotions | Weekly cash giveaways, car sweepstakes, themed nights |
🧾 Economic and Social Impact
Parx Casino has contributed significantly to both Bensalem Township and the broader Bucks County economy.
💸 Economic Contributions
| Metric | Estimated Value (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Jobs Created | Over 2,000 direct jobs |
| Tax Revenue to Pennsylvania | Over $2 billion since 2009 |
| Local Community Grants | $50 million+ through local share assessments |
| Annual Visitor Count | Over 5 million guests/year |
📡 Future Developments
Parx is not resting on its laurels. The company is investing in digital gaming, sportsbook enhancements, and a luxury hotel that is expected to open by late 2025 or early 2026. This hotel will feature:
- 300+ rooms
- Spa and wellness center
- Pool and rooftop bar
- Direct connection to the casino floor
They are also exploring AI-driven gaming experiences, enhanced player rewards, and expanded live entertainment.
📍 Location and Access
Parx Casino is conveniently located just off Interstate 95 and Route 1, making it easily accessible from Philadelphia (15 minutes away) and New Jersey.
- Address: 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
- Open 24/7
- Free Parking
- Website: www.parxcasino.com
🧠 Conclusion
Parx Casino’s journey from a regional racetrack to a gaming and entertainment leader reflects not only the evolution of gambling laws in Pennsylvania but also the casino’s commitment to growth and innovation. With continued expansions in digital and physical domains, Parx is poised to remain a dominant player in the Northeast’s competitive casino industry.
Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast, a poker pro, or someone seeking a weekend of entertainment, Parx Casino has transformed itself into a one-stop destination with more on the way.
