Parx Casino And Racing

admin  4/4/2022
18 Comments

Parx is a thoroughbred racetrack which is located Bensalem Township in Bucks County, Philadelphia. It is approximately thirty miles north of the city center, 40 miles from Philadelphia International Airport, and is located on a number of public transport links. It was previously known as Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino. This site was designed to provide current and prospective suppliers of Parx Casino & Racing to register their company and their company's interest and information in our supplier database. This site allows among other things. Parx Casino, is by far the most classless place on earth. It is also the toughest casino to ever win from. And where the atmosphere is supposed to make you feel like a winner, you always feel like a loser when you leave. Their comps are absolutely abysmal. Parx Casino and Racing (formerly Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino) is a thoroughbred horse racing venue and the largest casino gaming complex in Pennsylvania. Parx is located in Bensalem Township in Bucks County, northeast of the city of Philadelphia. Parx has not commented on the issue. In August, they suspended racing for two days due to a smaller outbreak. Industry publications, the Paulick Report and the Daily Racing Form, report nine jockeys are infected. A track official has confirmed that number.

Not too long ago, the 6 million residents of the metro Philadelphia area needed to travel to Atlantic City to satisfy their casino gambling cravings, but nowadays they need travel no further than to Bensalem, just a few miles outside the city proper, to visit and play at the largest casino in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the world.

The Parx dates back to 1974 when it opened as the Keystone Racetrack. This was long before casino gambling came to Pennsylvania of course and it just offered thoroughbred horse racing back then. 10 years later it was sold and renamed to Philadelphia Park, and started to take wagers over the phone in addition to in person at the track.

As wagering on horse racing evolved, the track kept up with improvements in technology and started offering full card simulcasts of its racing in 1989, as well as off track betting locations. So in 2007 when the State of Pennsylvania began issuing casino licenses, Philadelphia Park was at the head of the line, and started being allowed to offer a limited amount of slot machines in addition to horse race betting.

The name of the venue was then changed to Parx Casino and Racing, and while this was already one of the foremost horse racing tracks in the area, offering casino gambling vaulted it to an entirely new level in terms of revenue, and the horse racing took a back seat, although it continues to flourish in full force.

Bally’s was hired to operate their new casino, and by 2009 a new casino building needed to be built to house the now massive amount of slot machines they had on hand, a total of 3,300, making it one of the world’s largest slot machine parlors.

The next year, in 2010, table games became permitted, and this was a hit here as well. The current count is 3,500 gaming machines, 130 table games, and a 80 table poker room, in addition to their regular schedule of thoroughbred racing, making it one of the largest casinos overall in the country.

Parx Casino and Racing is owned by a local company, Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, whose holdings are limited to just the Parx, but the Parx is a pretty impressive holding indeed.

The Features of Parx Casino and Racing

Being the biggest player in a market as large as the Philadelphia one, there’s no need for a hotel, unlike a lot of casinos who rely on tourists to visit the area to gamble. The players already live here and one of the great things about having a large casino in a major metropolitan area is that your players can come back again and again, as often as they wish, instead of just during the occasional vacation.

This also serves to ensure that the gaming at this type of casino remains at the forefront of competitiveness, and the Parx does have several competitors in the area, and if you don’t offer people a better experience they will just go elsewhere. This is much less of a big deal at a resort casino where the appeal of the place generally is a big deal as well, here it’s all casino, and they need to get that part right or else, and they certainly do here.

The sheer popularity of the Parx does say a lot about how well they have been able to pull this off over the last few years, and the people get to vote in this sense, and the Parx does get a lot more votes than the other casinos here.

Parx Casino and Raceway does still attract quite a few horse racing fans in addition to casino players, although casino gaming does have a broader appeal and is the bigger of the two gambling operations now, as is the case generally with race track casinos.

So there are daily races here starting at 12:55 PM, Saturday through Tuesday, which does add some additional excitement should you visit here during this period. They still take phone bets on these races as well so you don’t have to be there to get in on this action.

There are 6 restaurants on hand here to cater to your dining pleasure. Parxgrill is an award winning upscale dining experience, specializing in beef and veal dishes as well as seafood. Bambu Noodle House offers fine Asian cuisine. Chickie’s and Pete’s has been voted America’s #1 sports bar.

Foodie’s offers the finest and freshest ingredients prepared for you 24 hours a day. Earl of Sandwich promises the world’s best hot sandwiches, all prepared on artisan bread. Xlounge boasts a high end food menu along with superior cocktails and a large selection of craft beer.

Club 360 is billed as the area’s best live music venue, and also features an LED dance floor that pulses in tune with the music. Jax is another sports bar that also features plenty of video poker machines and is also loaded with big screens to watch sports action on.

The Casino at Parx Casino and Racing

The Parx isn’t just the biggest casino in Pennsylvania, it’s also been voted the best, although the two often go hand in hand, but not always. In Las Vegas, the smaller locals casinos which cater to the residents of the city are regarded by many as the best, due to having to not only capture but keep the interest of their players over time, but the Parx is a locals casino as well, on a bigger scale actually, and therefore they need to do the exact same thing, and second rate just won’t fly.

Players here are treated to a free membership in Parx’ rewards club, Xclub, with 3 levels, and they offer not only comps and discounts at Parx, but at several local merchants as well. So playing here saves you money in many ways.

With over 3,500 gaming machines, including all of the hottest slots, as well as an extensive selection of video poker and electronic table games, even the hardest core casino players can immerse themselves in all the fun and excitement they can handle, 24 hours a day.

The slot area here alone takes up 150,000 square feet of space, and all manners of slots are available to be played, and there are also 100 different electronic blackjack, single roulette, and 3 card poker machines on hand.

If you are in the mood for the more classical variety of table games, with real tables and live dealers, Parx has plenty of that as well, featuring a total of 130 tables. Try your hand at the popular games of Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, 3 Card Poker, 4 Card Poker, and Baccarat. They also have hybrid games that are a cross between traditional and electronic tables, with live dealers but faster action and lower betting limits.

For those who enjoy traditional poker, playing head to head against other players, Parx has the #1 poker room in Pennsylvania on site, with 80 tables, a full service bar and menu, and lots of both cash games and daily tournaments. This is one of the best poker rooms around period.

It really doesn’t get much better than the gambling at Parx Casino and Racing, and this is really like a neighborhood casino, in a neighborhood of 6 million people. You will find everything here, and in abundance.

Related articles:

The historic Parx Casino and Racing first opened in November 1974. But it wasn’t until December 2006 (December 2009 for the standalone casino) did the old venue known as Philadelphia Park at the time start offering casino gaming.

Throughout the 2010s, the casino located in the Philadelphia suburb of Bensalem, Pennsylvania has since evolved to become the largest complex in the state. And with the popularity and economic boost the gambling scene has brought, you can tack on further growth throughout the 2020s.

But there’s enough at this casino to keep you busy for a week. Add in the excellent dining and entertainment options, and you need not go anywhere else. But if you’re looking to explore the area, there are also plenty of local attractions at your disposal.

Ready to take a tour of Pennsylvania’s best gambling? Let’s get started.

Parx Casino History

As mentioned in the intro the racetrack was founded in 1974 and opened up Keystone Racetrack, built to replace Liberty Bell Park Racetrack in Northeast Philadelphia. ITB purchased the track in 1984 and hence, a name change was in order.

The newly named Philadelphia Park continued Keystone’s and Liberty Bell’s tradition of offering Thoroughbred racing. But upon ITB’s purchase, the company laid out new turf and brought along Phonebet. The most technologically advanced way to wager on horse racing at the time.

Greenwood Racing Inc. bought the track in 1990 and added full-card simulcasting.

In September 2006, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board granted the track a conditional slot license which paved the way to transform the racetrack into a racino. Final approval came three months later in December 2006.

And Philadelphia Park Racetrack and Casino opened its doors on the first and third floors of the racetrack. This, however, stood as the temporary casino. Exactly three years later, on December 18th, 2009, the standalone Parx Casino opened.

Parx now contains over 3,300 real money slots. Electronic gaming like video poker, Blackjack, and Roulette was also made available upon opening, but in 2010, 199 tables of live gaming arrived. In 2018, the venue added a 48-table poker room.

And in October 2018, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approved Parx’s application for a sports betting license.

So, like many casinos in Pennsylvania, Parx offers everything from horse racing to poker if you’re an avid casino gamer. And as the largest casino and racing complex in Pennsylvania, it offers a lot of it.

Let’s look closer at which games you can expect in the electronic gaming, table, and poker rooms.

Gaming at Parx Casino

Parx Casino gaming includes your favorite traditional and most recent additions in their slot room that comprises over 3,300 machines.

Whether you’re looking for a classic like Monopoly or something fun and interesting like Christmas Vacation (yes, that Christmas Vacation), you will find it in what is 150,000 square feet of real estate.

So, what are you looking to play first? Wheel of Fortune? Wonka? Lightning Link? Come in and try your hand at the games.

Also featured are over 60 electronic table games like Blackjack and Roulette, along with video poker. So if you’re not ready to get in on the table gaming action, no worries. Parx has you covered.

Are you in the mood for table gaming action? You need not look any further. As mentioned in the intro, we’re looking at 199 table games featuring the best action north of Philadelphia. What are you looking to get in on? Craps? Roulette? Blackjack? Why not all three?

Up for some poker? Parx has your game. Whether you’re in for no-limit Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha, or Stud, you can test your skill against some of the best poker players Eastern Pennsylvania offers.

And Pennsylvania is one of the first states in the nation to bring sports betting into their casinos. So, what are you looking to bet on? Pro football? Baseball? Both? It’s all here at Parx.

You don’t even need to be in the casino to place your bets if you download the Parx Sports Betting app. So long as you remain within state borders, place your bets against the spread, over-unders, parlays, and more.

Parx Casino Dining

What’s a great casino experience without the best dining around? You don’t have one. Luckily, you’ll have an outstanding experience at Parx because not only do you have top-notch dining options; you can also choose between upscale dining, casual dining, or the quick in and out.

Here’s a rundown of Parx Casino’s dining options:

The award-winning, upscale food and atmosphere is found at Parxgrill. They feature the area’s unique menu options, along with seasonal specialties inspired by the restaurant’s top-notch chefs.

Farm to fork is how the Liberty Bell Gastropub describes its casual dining option. And comfort foods are their specialty. Whether you’re in the mood for the best gourmet burgers around. Made from local ingredients, premium pork, or free-range chicken, you’ll find all of it here.

Whether craft beers, fine wine, or specialty cocktails are on your mind, The Liberty Bell Beer Garden has you covered. How do chef-inspired dishes along with an all-season firepit sound to spice up the atmosphere? Hey, you can count me in.

Chef Joe Zhou personally designed the Bambu Noodle House’s menu. So whether you’re in the mood for appetizers, soups, Peking Duck, or steamed lotus, rest assured you’re getting the highest quality Asian-inspired cuisine in the area.

Add a high-end food menu plus the area’s largest craft beer and superior cocktail selection. You get Xlounge. The highest-quality lounge slash bar on Philadelphia’s North Side. Take a seat in those luxury couches and you will experience paradise on Earth.

Are you the grab and go type? The Lucky Cheese is your place. Featuring grilled cheeses, panini, soups, salad entrees, and more, this is your one-stop-shop for the best grab and go food in the area.

Voted the #1 Sports Bar in America, Chickie’s & Pete’s is rocking with fresh seafood, beer towers, interactive gaming, and the big Philadelphia Eagles games. If you’re the sporty type, you know where to go.

Only the top foodies in the area will love what Foodies offers. So if you’re a foodie, hop into this laid back atmosphere and take advantage of the venue’s freshest area ingredients. Served right on the go.

And don’t forget to check out Jax, Parx’s premier sports bar. Experience adrenaline-pumping video poker at one of the 20 machines scattered about the venue while watching your Eagles, Flyers, Phillies, and Sixers bring home another W.

Parx Casino Promotions and Entertainment

Promos and entertainment are always a thing here at Parks. The primary promotion includes the Parx Casino Xclub. And yes, the Xclub involves instant rewards, such as free slot play, sweepstakes entries, points, casino comps, and more.

Sign up, play, and earn points. The more you play, the higher your status at Xclub becomes over the next six months. So, if you play often and earn 7,500-plus credits, you’ll find yourself at Elite Status. And earning benefits like priority gift pickup, next car up valet service, priority food reservations, and more.

The catch? You need to accumulate the number of points every six months. But once you’re at a specific status, you’ll keep those points for six months while accumulating rewards points for the next six months. Play often and never lose that status.

Entertainment at Parx Casino is always rocking and rolling. The party is going on all night long with live entertainment at the Xcite Center, the casino’s premier live entertainment venue. If you’re looking for the greatest local acts in the area, Xlounge and Chickie’s & Pete’s have you covered.

Come in, get entertained, enjoy a cocktail or two, and have a night to remember after a day of gaming at the casino.

Parx Casino Accommodations and Nearby Attractions

Parx casino racing results

There are six awesome venues to choose from when planning your casino trip.

Let’s begin with the Marriott in Bensalem, where you’ll experience perhaps the most luxurious stay of the bunch. Prices begin at $129 plus tax.

Casual options include the Holiday Inn, Radisson Hotel, Wyndham Philadelphia, Best Western Plus, and Extended Stay Philadelphia. The prices are subject to change, but they price the options listed here between $82 and $99, plus tax.

Casino

Looking to take time off from the casino and explore the area? Good idea, as you’re near the epicenter of American history, science, and sports.

Obviously, there are plenty of bars and venues in the surrounding area to watch your favorite Philadelphia area sports teams. And if you’re lucky enough to get into the show, more power to you. Especially those Eagles games.

If you’re into history, you’ll love the attractions abound in this area, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You can also visit the Philadelphia Zoo and Camden Aquarium to find the best exotic wildlife in the world in some of America’s largest and oldest attractions.

Parx Casino Racing

And as with all racinos, we always need to dedicate time to racing. Parx Casino is one of the few casinos to have an additional website to its casino site dedicated completely to horse racing.

Parx Casino And Racing Info

So for the complete rundown including the event schedule, Phonebet, race results, horsemen, and wagering information, visit the Parx Racing website.

Now for the brief rundown. What can you expect at Parx Racing?

Philadelphia News Parx Picks

You’re looking at live racing from the best thoroughbred horses in the nation. Horses, jockeys, and trainers come here from all over the US to face off. And if you can’t make it to the casino to get in on the action and place your bet, pick up all the action on the simulcast.

So, whether you’re live at the track or if you’re on crunch time and can’t make it to the big events, never sweat. Place your bet online, watch the simulcast, cheer on your horse, and hopefully, they’ll win you some dough.

Now, as they say at Parx: Let’s Go Racing.

Conclusion

As you can see, Parx Casino and Racing is by far the largest casino and racetrack complex the State of Pennsylvania offers. With thousands of slot games and nearly 200 table games, you’ll never get bored.

Parx Casino And Racing Seating Chart

If sports betting and horse racing are your thing, then you can spend all day watching the games and races 52 weeks a year.

What’s not to get excited about?

And if you venture off the casino grounds, there’s a large city just south of Bensalem waiting to be explored. One that is rich in history and tradition.

So what are you waiting for?

Plan your trip to Parx Casino and Racing today.

Parx Casino And Racing

And have you been here? Let us know in the comments and tell us about your experience.