When Greenwood Gaming & Entertainment announced its plans to bring a new gaming facility to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, the idea sparked both curiosity and anticipation. Today, that vision is a reality: Parx Casino Shippensburg stands as one of the most dynamic additions to Pennsylvania’s gaming landscape. But the journey from architectural blueprint to a vibrant gaming floor was far from straightforward. It involved regulatory navigation, community dialogue, strategic design, and a forward-thinking approach to economic development.
Parx Casino Shippensburg: A Vision for Regional Growth
Parx Casino, already well-established in Bensalem, eyed south-central Pennsylvania as a strategic opportunity to expand. In 2018, Greenwood Gaming secured a Category 4 casino license (commonly referred to as a “mini-casino”) after submitting a winning bid of over $8 million. The intent behind Category 4 licenses, introduced by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), was to spur localized economic activity in underserved regions while bolstering state tax revenue.
The decision to target Shippensburg—a growing community in Cumberland County—reflected both market potential and geographic sensibility. The location, at the Shippen Towne Center, was previously home to a shuttered Lowe’s store, providing ample square footage and infrastructure ideal for adaptive reuse.
Parx Casino Shippensburg: Design, Planning, and Development
Once the site was selected, planning began in earnest. Greenwood Gaming partnered with NELSON Worldwide, an architecture and design firm, to reimagine the former retail space into a modern casino environment. The plan called for approximately 73,000 square feet of transformed interior space, with a strong emphasis on style, comfort, and functionality.
Construction began in 2021, and despite pandemic-era supply chain constraints, the project stayed largely on course. The transformation was comprehensive: the interior was gutted and redesigned with warm materials, custom lighting, state-of-the-art gaming terminals, and dedicated food and beverage areas. While traces of the building’s retail past remained in its outer structure, the interior reflected Parx’s signature upscale brand.
Parx Casino Shippensburg: Overcoming Regulatory and Logistical Challenges
Navigating Pennsylvania’s strict gaming regulations required diligence. Parx applied for and received approval to offer both slot machines and electronic table games. In 2019, it paid an additional $2.5 million to secure table game permissions. However, unlike traditional casinos that feature live dealers, Parx Casino Shippensburg focused on electronic table games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, paired with live dealer video feeds.
Due to global supply shortages, the installation of certain gaming machines faced delays, pushing the originally targeted launch date. Nevertheless, Parx worked closely with the PGCB to complete testing phases and compliance reviews. In January 2023, the property held test operations with proceeds donated to local charities, further showcasing its commitment to community integration.
Parx Casino Shippensburg: Grand Opening and Public Reception
Parx Casino Shippensburg officially opened its doors to the public in February 2023. The opening ceremony, attended by executives, local officials, and community members, marked a significant milestone—not just for the company, but for the township.
The facility launched with:
- Over 500 slot machines
- 48 electronic table game seats
- A 100-seat Liberty Bar & Grill with full-service dining
- A smoke-free environment
- betParx kiosks for sports betting
The smoke-free policy, also adopted at Parx’s Bensalem flagship, earned praise from both employees and patrons, distinguishing the casino in a state where smoking is still permitted on many gaming floors.
Parx Casino Shippensburg: Community and Economic Impact
The economic ripple effect of Parx Casino Shippensburg has been notable. The construction phase generated approximately 175 jobs, and the operational phase added over 125 permanent positions. These roles, which include hospitality, security, gaming operations, and management, offer competitive wages and benefits.
Local officials have also highlighted the positive impact on tax revenues. The facility contributes to both state gaming taxes and local share assessments, supporting public services and infrastructure. In addition, Parx has pledged significant philanthropic support, committing $1 million over 10 years to local organizations. In its first year alone, over $100,000 was distributed to volunteer fire departments, educational groups, and healthcare nonprofits.
Parx Casino Shippensburg: Guest Experience and Amenities
Parx Casino Shippensburg was designed with the modern guest in mind. The gaming floor balances excitement with comfort, thanks to a thoughtful layout and a noise-optimized environment. Players can enjoy a wide range of games—from high-limit slots to multi-seat blackjack—without the chaos sometimes associated with larger venues.
Dining at Liberty Bar & Grill offers a sports lounge atmosphere, complete with flat-screen TVs, craft beverages, and elevated pub fare. Guests can also use betParx kiosks throughout the property to place live bets on their favorite sports, from NFL and NBA games to international soccer.
Parx Casino Shippensburg: Looking Toward the Future
The long-term vision for Parx Casino Shippensburg includes opportunities for expansion and innovation. The current facility was constructed with additional square footage available for future gaming space, entertainment offerings, or event venues.
As digital integration grows across the gaming industry, Parx is also well-positioned to extend its online offerings, including mobile sports betting and virtual casino experiences, through the betParx platform. Continued investment in technology, customer service, and local engagement will likely shape the casino’s evolution in the years ahead.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Parx Casino Shippensburg
From its early blueprints to its grand opening and ongoing community contributions, Parx Casino Shippensburg represents a successful fusion of strategic development and local partnership. What began as an abandoned retail space is now a thriving entertainment hub—driving tourism, supporting jobs, and adding value to Cumberland County.
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