Much More Than a Gaming Attraction, A Full-Scale Entertainment Destination
When Parx Casino opened its doors in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, in December 2009, customers were initially drawn to the slot machines. Yet the history and allure of Parx actually goes back to 2006. And the casino’s evolution over the years can easily be described as more than one could have ever imagined.
“Parx went from a casino to a full entertainment destination,” said Carrie Nork Minelli, director of Advertising and Public Relations. Nork Minelli, who was recruited to Parx about six weeks prior to the 2009 grand opening, continues to be amazed at the quality and growth of the facility.
Nork Minelli shared the history that on December 19, 2006, Philadelphia Park Racetrack (now Parx Racing®) became the site of the first casino in the Southeastern region of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The racetrack is home to live and simulcast thoroughbred racing. The temporary casino facility featured 2,076 slot machines and marked the beginning of a major transformation of the landscape of Bucks County and the surrounding region.
The casino fast became a major employer, taxpayer and philanthropic contributor to the community. “Parx wasn’t just building a casino, it was becoming economically and philanthropically connected to the local community,” said Nork Minelli. In fact, from 2007 to 2008, Philadelphia Park Casino contributed millions of dollars in charitable/community donations.
Today, Parx continues to invest in the community and is recognized as a generous philanthropic partner. Owned and operated by Greenwood Gaming, Nork Minelli explained that philanthropy and community are integral to the company culture.
“Community outreach is a huge part of who we are,” she said. “We’re fortunate to be in a position to support so many wonderful organizations doing important work in our community. From Bensalem and Bucks County to communities throughout Pennsylvania, giving back and being a good neighbor is simply part of our culture at Parx.”
Parx Casino – When a Brand Was Born
When the estimated $250 million facility debuted on December 18, 2009, this marked the true birth of the Parx brand. “People were lined up at 6 a.m. before we opened the doors,” recalled Nork Minelli. “It was no longer a small, race-track-based casino with slots, but rather a highly desirable destination.” In those early days, Parx debuted an expansive food court, upscale dining establishments and live entertainment at the 360 Lounge. In addition, the ever-popular Chickie’s & Pete’s was on the property as it still is today.
“Our customers were loving it from Day 1,” said Nork Minelli. “Gaming is always at the heart of what we do.” Yet, she elaborated, customers were continuously asking for more. And Parx delivered!
In 2010, table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette and more, were added as they had recently become legalized in Pennsylvania.
Over the years, more dining establishments were opened to meet a growing need. Today, there are multiple dining venues, bars and a popular beer garden. Nork Minelli described Parx as a bright, clean, secure, safe, pretty space. Customers, she added, are frequently wowed by the overall pleasant experience and comment on how nice it is.
The property offers extensive free parking and its location on Street Road allows for easy access for those traveling from near and far. “It’s a unique spot and convenient location because of its proximity to 95, Route 1 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike exit,” said Nork Minelli, adding that there’s a strong client base from throughout Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia as well as from further away.
Meeting Customers Where They Are
Nork Minelli notes that the landscape and culture continued to change over the years. In 2015, a major expansion took place, which included more gaming, the Xlounge, additional entertainment and dining venues – from award-winning establishments to more casual, light bite offerings.
And in 2018, a dedicated poker room with 48 gaming tables opened, as well as the Xcite Center. The 1,500-seat theatre launched to a sell-out crowd with a performance by Chicago, recalled Nork Minelli. “People love it because it is more intimate,” she said. “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” Customers continue to be drawn to the concerts, broad array of musical talent, major entertainers, comedy shows, boxing, special events and more.
Besides the slots, gaming, poker room and a plethora of bars and restaurants to fit every taste and mood, another major perk is that Parx Casino is a non-smoking facility. Nork Minelli explained that the non-smoking policy was first implemented during COVID, yet it has remained so. It’s a feature that people truly appreciate. Many other casinos in Pennsylvania as well as Atlantic City have returned to being smoking facilities. But Parx Casino, and its second location in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (that opened in 2023) has remained committed to the non-smoking policy.
Sports Betting Takes Parx to the Next Level
In early 2019, Parx Sportsbook officially opened. And later that year, online sports betting began. In August of 2019, a $10 million permanent 7,400-square-foot Sportsbook became integral to the fabric of the casino. It includes a 156-foot HD media wall, live teller windows,18 kiosks, nearly 200 seats, VIP areas and a bar/food service. According to Nork Minelli, it’s a gorgeous space and one that rivals just about any other sportsbook, including those in Las Vegas.
Suffice it to say that during that same year, Parx rapidly went from a physical property to a Philadelphia digital and sports brand. Partnerships were launched with the Philadelphia Union and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Taking the brand even further, in 2022, the betParx® mobile app was launched in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Parxview Hotel
The latest iteration of an already high-level brand destination is the Parxview Hotel. The hotel, which opened in March 2026, has 160 rooms, including 16 suites, a fitness center and The Bistro. Nork Minelli explained that guests can stay overnight and enjoy a relaxing brunch the following morning. An outdoor deck and pool will be opening soon.
Always keeping the total guest experience in mind, Parx provides a complimentary shuttle from the hotel to the casino, making the getaway a true play and stay destination!
Nork Minelli underscored that Parx invests heavily in technology, but never loses sight of the hospitality component – whether it’s online gaming, gambling or the sports app.
