- State gaming regulators tested Parx Casino Shippensburg's new live table games this week, with 12 tables set to open if approved.
- Mayor Shaun Rogers placed the first ceremonial blackjack wager while test day proceeds benefit local senior services.
- The casino plans a soft launch January 30 and Grand Opening Weekend February 6, completing its transition to full-service gaming.
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - State gaming regulators spent Tuesday and Wednesday putting Parx Casino Shippensburg's new live table games through official tests, bringing the Cumberland Valley property closer to offering traditional casino action. These two days of testing will decide if the casino gets the final okay to open its first live dealer tables to the public.
Since its inauguration in 2023, Parx Shippensburg has occupied a special place in Pennsylvania's casino landscape being the only establishment in the state without actual table games. Instead, guests discovered a configuration that combined live dealers using real cards and wheels with computerized screens; yet, players were unable to seat at the tables. Once state officials complete their review and provide approval, that will soon change.
There will be 12 live tables and space for 72 players to play simultaneously on the remodeled floor. Blackjack, Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, and Three Card Poker will all be operated by skilled dealers. With this update, Parx Shippensburg is now on par with other blackjack sites in Pennsylvania that have offered live table gambling since the beginning.
Testing Kicks Off with Ceremonial Wager
During Tuesday's testing session, Shippensburg Mayor Shaun Rogers hit 21 on his ceremonial hand to place the property's first-ever live blackjack wager. Local politicians, community partners, and representatives from the gambling industry will be hosted by casino leadership during the testing period, which spans from noon to eight p.m. on both days.
All money made during the two test days goes directly to Branch Creek Place of Shippensburg, which runs a senior center and Meals on Wheels program in the area. General Manager John Marshall spoke about what this means for the area's economy, pointing out how adding table games creates jobs while bringing in more tax money for Pennsylvania and helping build a stronger future for Shippensburg.
If regulators sign off on everything after the testing wraps up, Parx Casino Shippensburg will start dealing cards to players at its new tables on Friday, January 30. Grand Opening Weekend, which takes place the following week on February 6, is when the real celebrations start. The 73,000 square feet of gaming space at the casino will be filled with promotions, prizes, and entertainment over the multi-day event.
The last step in turning Parx Shippensburg into a full-fledged casino experience is the addition of traditional table games and legal blackjack. In addition to the new tables, the facility, which is located just off Interstate 81, has over 500 slot machines, a number of eateries and bars, live entertainment at The Side Pocket, and betPARX sports betting.