Parx Casino And Racing

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1. Parx Casino And Racing
2. The Parx Casino In Bensalem Pa
3. Parx Casino Racing Schedule 2019
4. Parx Casino Racing Events

Update June 18:Harrah’s Philadelphia Racetrack (harness racing) in Chester, PA will return to racing Sunday, June 21, horsemen’s groups told PlayPA.

Update June 17: Thoroughbred racing resumes in Pennsylvania on Friday, June 19 at Penn National’s track in Grantville, PA, the same day Hollywood Casino reopens. While there will be no spectators allowed at the track, there are views from the simulcast area, though capacity is limited. The first race is set for 6 p.m.

Update June 15: Harness racing returns to The Meadows Monday, June 15. It is the first horse race in Pennsylvania since tracks were ordered shut down three months ago.

The first post is at 12:45 p.m. The race card features ten races. Live Racing is scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, all with 12:45 p.m. start times.

Breaking News Update June 11: It appears all six of Pennsylvania’s horse racing tracks are now green-lit for reopening by the PA Department of Health. The Meadows resumes June 15, Penn National confirmed June 19 for their restart date, and Parx will potentially resume racing June 22.

PlayPennsylvania is seeking comments regarding the additional tracks and details will be added as they become available.

Big race dates getting set

As some semblance of normal returns to racing, a number of high-profile races are now finally scheduled, beginning with the Santa Anita Derby which ran on June 6. That was a graded stakes race with qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby.

That race as well as these other big racing events can be wagered on through FanDuel Racing.

• Belmont Stakes – June 20
• Monmouth – Resumes July 3
• Keeneland – summer meet July 10-12
• Del Mar – Meet is set to begin July 10 and run until September 7
• Saratoga – Meet runs July 16 until September 7
• Kentucky Derby – September 5
• Preakness Stakes – Oct 3
• Breeders’ Cup – Nov 7

Road to racing’s return

Horse racing never completely stopped even as COVID-19 peaked across the US and around the globe. But racing shut down in Pennsylvania on March 16 and remains closed as of June 4 despite racing elsewhere.

Even with the shutdown, the backsides where barns and living quarters adjoin tracks at Penn National Racecourse and Parx Racing, both thoroughbred tracks, and the Meadows Racetrack & Casino, a harness course, have remained open and active, though without racing.

For instance, as many as 100 employees are living at Parx and as many as 800 horses, according to one former employee.

No racing in PA yet, says Wolf

The PA State Horse Racing Commission sent a formal letter to Gov. Tom Wolf on May 1, asking him to allow racing to resume with safety protocols, including no spectators. Following through, tracks submitted plans for reopening to the racing commission by May 8.

On May 12, the governor responded to the commission in a way that leaves little hope for a resumption of racing soon.

Part of his response read:

“We foresee horse racing reopening when counties enter the green phase, like other entertainment (casinos, theaters, etc).”

Wolf offered no concrete timelines for the resumption of racing at the state’s three thoroughbred tracks and three harness tracks. But it’s not likely racing will recommence in PA until casinos get the green light, which won’t happen until their county moves to Phase Green in the state’s phased reopening plan.

As of May 15, two tracks’ counties had moved to Yellow: Presque Isle Downs (Erie) and The Meadows (Washington).

But as with so much, the guidance from the Wolf administration has evolved and it appears tracks in both yellow and green should soon be allowed to resume racing without spectators and with safety protocols. However, the administration has made no formal public comments.

Updated May 19: Nineteen PA state senators signed a letter asking Wolf to reopen racing, arguing it can be done safely. Likewise, the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association made a recent plea to Wolf for reopening, pointing out nearby Ohio has a date set for resumption.

Updated May 26: The state Horse Racing Commission unanimously endorsed a bill making its way through the house – HB 2544 – which would allow for a waiver allowing horse racing to resume with safety protocols.

As a service to readers, PlayPennsylvania is following opening plans at tracks in PA plus around the nation and the globe.

When will racing return to PA?

June 15 update: Racing returned to The Meadows June 15. Penn National Race Course will reopen June 19.

June 12 update: Mohegan Sun Pocono returns to racing June 20.

June 11 update: According to Pete Peterson, Pennsylvania Equine Coalition executive director, Meadows plans to start racing on Monday, June 15. Penn National will resume racing June 19 and Parx is looking to begin June 22.

June 10 update: The Meadows Racetrack and Casino reopened on June 9 at noon. Racing is set to resume June 15.

June 8 update: The horseman’s group at Penn National is targeting Friday, June 19.

According to the Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association:

“We expect approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which will allow racing to resume at Penn National on Friday, June 19th.”

Furthermore, veterinary observations and lab work is beginning, and schooling two-year-olds on the starting gate begins on Tuesday, June 9.

Also, Presque IsleDowns is set to re-open its stable June 15 and resume racing on July 6.

No official word from other tracks or horsemen’s groups.

June 7 update: Technically, PA tracks should have been free to open on Friday, June 5 based on virus zones.

But the Wolf administration had not approved safety protocols by then.

Even when that happens, it doesn’t mean racing will begin immediately. Employees on furlough must be called back, entries logged, and harness qualifying races without betting must be done first.

The tracks with backsides which remained open – Parx,Penn National, and the Meadows – should be quickest to begin operations.

Parx Casino And Racing

Overall, harness tracks may be slower to open, no matter their green zone status, than thoroughbred tracks, according to industry sources. That’s because the handles at standardbred tracks are lower than they are at thoroughbred courses. The only real stronghold for harness racing now is Sweden.

Reopening schedule for PA thoroughbred and harness tracks:

Interest and demand for racing up, supply limited

Meanwhile, the appetite for racing and horse betting has swollen as tracks running without spectators have filled the sporting void and focused attention on the tracks where the ponies are still racing.

For instance, tiny and obscure Fonner Park in heartland Nebraska has recently averaged more than $2.8 million in bets each day, more than eight times its action a year ago. The handle can grow without a crowd watching because live streaming and betting apps bring the action to distant fans.

In Pennsylvania, racing fans can still wager on the ponies at the state’s regulated horse betting apps, PABets and FanDuel Racing.

The Parx Casino In Bensalem Pa

Overseas tracks reopening plans

• Some jurisdictions, especially most of Australia, never shut down. Asian venues, especially Hong Kong, are also racing now or never stopped.
• Sweden began racing in April, and Germany just recently in early May.
• France has just resumed racing.
• May 19 update: Reversing course, authorities again shut down racing in parts of France with high virus counts, including Paris.
• Ireland resumes June 8.
• May 28 update: Racing has resumed in Canada and New Zealand.
• May 29 update: Racing has resumed in Moscow.
• England, and Germany are contemplating returning to racing in the near term.
• But racing in South Africa, home to that continent’s most important races, is on hold with no relief in sight.

US tracks reopening plans

• About a half a dozen tracks across the country never stopped racing during shutdowns elsewhere in the country. Their locations included Florida, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Arkansas, and California.
• The meet in Arkansas has ended, but additional tracks in jurisdictions across the country are contemplating reopening soon, including the fabled Churchill Downs in Lexington, Kentucky.
• Santa Anita in Los Angeles raced without spectators until March 27 before shutting down racing. That track reopens May 15, and Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, CA reopened on May 14.
• On May 22, Ohio’s seven tracks may reopen, though the adjoining Ohio casinos remain closed. Laurel Park, in Maryland, also reopens that day.
• Texas being Texas, the state plans to run before spectators beginning May 31, but with the crowd capped at 25 percent of capacity.
• Updated May 16: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced May 16 will allow tracks to on June 1, but he’s left it to individual courses to set their own return date. Saratoga Race Course, for instance, has a July 16thopening date scheduled.
• Louisiana tracks are opening on various dates in June.
• May 23 update: The Maine Gambling Control Board this week approved making digital horse racing bets. Previously, fans were permitted to wager on horse racing only at a racetrack or an off-track betting facility.
• May 26 update: Racing resumes in Indiana in mid-June.
• June 6 update: The meet at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs has begun with spectators.

Triple Crown rescheduled

• The rescheduled Kentucky Derby is now set for September 5.
• May 17 update: The Preakness is now set for October 3.
• May 19 update: The Belmont, usually the final leg of the Triple Crown, is now set for June 20. It will be the first leg of the Triple Crown for the first time in history, and run at 1 1/8 mile rather than the typical 1 1/2 mile. The purse has also been reduced by a third to $1 million due to lack of casino revenues which help fund purses.

Racing plans in states bordering PA

• New York: Allowed to reopen June 1, but each track will set its own resumption date.
• New Jersey: July 3 is listed for Monmouth Park. Freehold has no information posted. Update May 29: The Meadowlands has resumed racing. NJ. Gov. Phil Murphy gave the go-ahead for all tracks on May 29.
• Delaware: Delaware Park‘s opening day is now listed as June 17.
• Maryland: Laurel Park reopens May 30. No word yet on Pimlico.
• West Virginia: Charles Town reopened for live racing at 7 p.m. May 14, and Mountaineer Park will follow later in May.
• Ohio: Just got approval to reopen all tracks on May 22.

PlayPennsylvania will continue to update with the latest in racing reopening plans, so check back often.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Parx Casino Racing Schedule 2019

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.

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?

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.

Parx Casino Racing Events

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.

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.

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