The anticipated opening of the new Parx Casino branch in Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania, has been delayed. Originally scheduled to welcome visitors in November 2022, the 73,000-square-foot casino is now expected to be completed in early 2023. Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment was granted a license in January to construct a Category 4 casino, becoming the state’s fourth mini-casino. Despite the setback, the casino is making progress, with construction underway and plans to offer various job opportunities and exciting gaming options.
Construction and Features:
The Shippensburg Parx Casino is a scaled-down version of the highly successful Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, which boasts the state’s highest casino revenue. The new establishment, occupying half of a former big-box store, is set to be an impressive 73,000 square feet. The $65 million construction project, which commenced in February, is expected to offer 500 slot machines and electronic table games, including blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, featuring remote dealers. Notably, the Bensalem casino boasts more than 3,000 slots, making it a substantial gaming destination.
Job Opportunities and Job Fairs:
As the casino nears its completion, the operator is actively recruiting for various positions. Approximately 50 open positions, including bartenders, surveillance agents, security officers, cooks, and more, are available for eager applicants to explore online. To facilitate the hiring process, the casino is hosting multi-day job fairs at prominent locations. One of these fairs is being held at the Shippensburg University Conference Center, and another is scheduled at The Orchards Restaurant in Chambersburg, Franklin County. The casino’s commitment to job creation is evident, with 175 construction jobs and over 125 full-time equivalent permanent jobs expected to be generated.
Gaming License and Offerings:
Parx Casino holds a Category 4 Slot Machine License, permitting them to operate between 300 and 750 slot machines. Furthermore, the operator has the option to request permission to offer up to 30 table games initially for an additional fee of $2.5 million. After the first year of operation, the casino can expand its table game offerings by adding up to 10 more tables, enhancing the gaming experience for patrons. Notably, the facility will be designated as non-smoking, aligning with the growing trend of smoke-free environments in gaming establishments.
Future Prospects:
The casino’s management has its sights set on additional offerings beyond slot machines and table games. The ambitious plan includes the future addition of sports wagering, aiming to attract sports enthusiasts and further enhance the overall entertainment experience. This move aligns with the broader industry trend towards incorporating sports betting into casino establishments, catering to a diverse and engaged audience.
Despite the slight delay in its opening, the eagerly anticipated Parx Casino branch in Shippensburg Township, Pennsylvania, promises to be a significant addition to the state’s gaming landscape. With construction well underway, the casino is poised to offer exciting gaming options, job opportunities, and potential expansions in the form of additional table games and sports wagering. As early 2023 approaches, casino enthusiasts and potential employees eagerly await the grand opening of this impressive gaming destination in the heart of Pennsylvania.