Greenwood Racing, the prominent parent company of Parx Casino, has made headlines with its recent acquisition of The Inn at Fox Chase, a 167-room hotel located in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. This strategic move signals a significant expansion of the Parx Casino brand, promising a blend of renovations, rebranding, and enhanced guest experiences. The acquisition and subsequent plans for the hotel’s renovation highlight Greenwood Racing’s commitment to broadening its appeal and reach in the competitive casino and hospitality industry.
Acquisition Details and Renovation Plans
The Inn at Fox Chase will undergo extensive renovations over the next six to twelve months. The scope of work includes updating both guest rooms and public areas, as well as converting the hotel’s top floor into 16 luxury suites. Despite the extensive upgrades, the hotel will continue to operate throughout the renovation period, ensuring minimal disruption to its guests.
Eric Hausler, CEO of Greenwood Racing, commented on the acquisition, emphasizing the company’s long-standing interest in integrating a hotel into the Parx Casino complex. He stated, “For several years, we have been exploring adding a hotel to the Parx complex as we continue to broaden the appeal and geographic reach of the Parx Casino brand. We welcome the Inn at Fox Chase employees to the Parx family and look forward to creating a first-class leisure experience for our guests over the coming months.”
Impact on Parx Casino and Greenwood Racing
Greenwood Racing, known for its flagship Parx Casino in Bensalem, as well as Parx Shippensburg and Parx Racing, is expanding its footprint with this acquisition. The Parx Casino complex already boasts an impressive 180,000 square feet of gaming and sports wagering space, featuring 3,000 slot machines, 148 live table games, and 48 poker tables. Additionally, the casino includes a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue and nine restaurants and bars. In 2019, Parx Casino expanded its offerings to include sports betting with a $10 million sportsbook and online sports betting platform.
The addition of The Inn at Fox Chase will enhance the overall guest experience, offering convenient lodging options for visitors and further integrating the casino and hospitality elements of the Parx brand. The renovation plans underscore Greenwood Racing’s strategy to elevate its brand and provide a comprehensive leisure experience for its clientele.
The Role of Skill Games in Pennsylvania’s Gaming Landscape
While Greenwood Racing is making headlines with its hotel acquisition, the Pennsylvania gaming industry is also facing a crucial legal development. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is set to determine the legality of skill game machines in the state. This decision follows a petition from state Attorney General Michelle Henry to review a lower court’s ruling that skill games do not qualify as slot machines.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates that there are approximately 67,000 skill game terminals operating in Pennsylvania. Historically, these machines have been considered unlicensed gambling devices, leading to legal challenges and seizures by law enforcement. The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision could have significant implications for the regulation and future of skill games in the state.
Greenwood Racing’s acquisition of The Inn at Fox Chase represents a strategic expansion that aligns with the company’s goals to enhance and diversify the Parx Casino brand. As the hotel undergoes renovations and rebranding, it will undoubtedly contribute to a richer, more integrated guest experience. Concurrently, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling on skill games will play a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape for gaming in the state. Both developments highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of the gaming and hospitality sectors in Pennsylvania.