The Bensalem-based casino is unveiling several new features in 2019
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
2018 may be quickly coming to an end, but Parx Casino isn’t wasting any time reflecting on the past year. Rather, it’s moving forward at lightning speed with a slew of new features guests can look forward to in 2019.
The soon-to-open addition that’s arguably creating the most buzz is legalized sports betting, which will include the construction of the Parx Sportsbook — a permanent $10 million expansion project.
According to Carrie Nork Minelli, director of advertising and public relations, sports betting is slated to come to Parx in January and will be temporarily housed inside the former 360 bar space.
The time frame is dependent upon the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which needs to approve each venue in the state. Once sports betting launches at Parx, it will simultaneously be available at its Turf Clubs in South Philadelphia and Valley Forge.
The permanent Sportsbook is currently under construction, with Minelli estimating its completion in April or May. Until then, the temporary space will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and feature 28 HD televisions, in addition to two 16-by-9-foot screens that can be split into four. In total, guests can enjoy up to 36 games at the same time.
“It’s really going to be beautiful, super state-of-the-art,” she said. “There will be games from all around the world.”
A variety of sports betting options will be available such as spread, moneyline, total, props, parlays and teasers. Available sports will include, among others, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and college basketball. Parx will also launch an online sports betting app (pending PGCB approval) that features live in-game betting.
The temporary space will feature seven live teller windows, a full-service bar and comfortable seating to watch the games. Forty-five self-service betting kiosks will be available throughout the casino and the Parx Poker Room.
Sports betting will fall under the leadership of new senior vice president of interactive gaming & sports, Matthew Cullen, who relocated from San Francisco and joined the Parx team in July.
“Parx aims to offer the absolute best of all types of legalized gaming for our current and new customers. Sports betting is the next evolution of how we can achieve this goal,” Cullen said. “We will build the best Sportsbook in the country and set the industry standard for this fast-growing arena.”
Also on track to open in 2019 is The Beer Garden, which will be housed near Liberty Bell Gastropub and the future permanent Parx Sportsbook. The garden will be open year-round, built with a retractable roof to tailor the space to the weather, and have its own menu chock-full of local craft beers.
“It’s going to be a perfect spot, another addition, another amenity for the casino and for our customers, what they look for,” Minelli said.
For guests who don’t wish to wait to try something new, they can head to Lucky Cheese, which replaced Earl of Sandwich this month in the food court. Offerings include classic grilled cheese that’s overflowing with rich gooiness, a variety of soups and salads, and cookies for dessert.
As always, the Xcite Center has a jam-packed schedule over the next several months, welcoming Vic DiBitetto on Friday, Dec. 14, Jeff Foxworthy on Saturday, Jan. 19, Gladys Knight on Sunday, Feb. 17, and Wayne Brady on Friday, May 3.
Parx Casino is located at 2999 Street Road in Bensalem. Visit parxcasino.com for more information. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
