Over the past two years, Parx Casino has become a force to be reckoned with among its Pennsylvania competitors thanks to a $58.5 million expansion. Not only has it opened the doors to its Xcite Center venue and a slew of eateries, including Liberty Bell Gastropub and the Beer Garden, Parx expanded its gaming experience to the virtual world, recently launching an online casino.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, Parx, located at 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, unveiled its latest project – the brand-new, $10 million Sportsbook. Here, local sports fanatics can partake in sports betting while viewing up to 36 games at once on a sweeping, 156-foot HD media wall.
At 3 p.m., Bensalem Township Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, Rep. Frank Farry and other elected officials gathered at the flashy entrance of the Sportsbook, situated directly next to the Gastropub, for a grand opening celebration.
“This is one of the nicest casinos in Pennsylvania,” DiGirolamo said with pride. “They do so much for our community.”
After the ribbon was cut, attendees at the ceremony were invited to explore the 7,400-square-foot space, which opened to the public at 5 p.m. – just in time for the Philadelphia Eagles preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. In honor of the grand opening, the first 1,000 people to come through the Sportsbook doors received a $25 free bet when they funded their online sports betting account with at least $25.
“Parx aims to set the industry standard in this new and fast-growing arena. The timing couldn’t be better as we head into football season,” said Matthew Cullen, senior vice president of interactive gaming and sports. “We felt our local Eagles fans deserved to have the ultimate game day destination to cheer on the Birds. Game day will soar to new heights as we present the absolute best gaming and entertainment experience of its kind.”
According to Cullen, the Sportsbook, which comes on the heels of Parx’s online sports betting launch earlier this summer, has been nearly two years in the making. During the construction of the expanded space, a temporary Sportsbook was housed in the former Parx360 bar. Cullen said he’s thrilled to have the community finally see the fruits of his team’s labor.
“We have worked for nearly two years to expand our portfolio of offerings to give patrons the best of all types of legalized gaming,” he said. “After the recent launch of online sports betting and our real money online casino, the grand opening of Parx Casino Sportsbook completes this mission.”
Sports fans can expect their favorite ways to bet on sports, including spread, moneyline, total, props, parlays and teasers. Available sports are, among others, pro football, pro basketball, pro baseball, pro hockey, college football, college basketball, tennis, golf, MMA, boxing and auto racing.
The sleek, state-of-the-art space features six live tellers, 18 self-service kiosks, 200 seats aligned in a movie theater fashion, and three VIP areas. Additional kiosks are available throughout the casino floor, Parx Beer Garden and Parx Poker Room.
At the Sportsbook’s stretching, 38-seat bar, guests can select options from a full menu of beer, wine, spirits and cocktails. From the kitchen, they can munch on game day foods such as chicken wings, Philly cheesesteaks and burgers, including vegan options.
The Sportsbook is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with 10-16 hours of live teller assistance, depending on sports schedules. The space can hold up to 422 people.
For more information, visit parxcasino.com/sportsbetting
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
