Pennsylvania’s highest grossing casino is ready to get into the game of PA online sports betting.
Parx Casino is conducting a soft launch of their online sportsbook.
Hours for the soft launch for Parx online sports betting are:
- June 24 – 4:00 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- June 25 – 2:00 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- June 26 – 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
When Parx finishes the testing period, if there are no major issues, the online product will be available 24/7.
PlaySugarHouse.com was the first to offer online sports betting in Pennsylvania when they soft-launched at the end of May. Parx becomes the second. However, soon three will be a crowd. Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh is scheduled to join in on the online sports betting action on Tuesday with the launch of BetRivers testing.
What to expect from Parx Sportsbook
The birth of an online sportsbook, especially one run by a big daddy like Parx, carries a lot of anticipation. Parx’s website says:
“Your Sports Betting experience is about to get better! The Parx Casino online Sports Betting app is coming soon to PA.”
Users can expect an online experience similar to Parx’s Betslip Builder. As a part of Parx’s retail sportsbook, it allows users to build their betting slip in advance.
When they get to the kiosks or betting counter, they simply scan a QR code to submit and print the ticket. The app is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and is the betting equivalent of placing a mobile order at Starbucks.
Parx sports betting platform is only available on Android devices, Macs, and PCs. They claim it will be available on iOS devices in the near future.
First impressions of Parx Sportsbook
Monday got a jolt of juice. At 4 p.m. Parx soft-launched its online sports betting product.
For some, registration was a bit of a hassle. A customer trying to register and link their account to their XClub card reported difficulty signing up. Live chat online was responsive to questions.
Once “in” the online sportsbook, it immediately calls to mind Parx’s Betslip. The live betting interface, which resembles a game cast interface, is the MVP of this app.
Anyone who is counting down the days to kickoff will love the app. There is an extensive list of futures bets for the upcoming NFL season. Fans of every team can get in on the action by betting “yes” or “no” on if they will make the playoffs. Over/under win totals for each team is also listed.
Responsible gaming
Parx online sportsbook goes way beyond “Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.” They take real action, an almost parental control-like, approach.
There is a clock on top of the screen which shows the current duration of the session. The app includes a list of options to allow you to keep betting with major controls in place such as:
- Deposit limits
- Wager limits
- Time limits
- Max bet limits
- Reality check tool, which notifies you based on how long you are on the app
How to get started with Parx online sportsbook
You must be physically located in Pennsylvania to use the Parx online sportsbook. You can access Parx online sportsbook via your browser or app without setting up an account. You don’t even have to be in the Keystone State to view it, so long as you don’t want to deposit or bet.
If you do want to deposit or bet, you will need to set up an account (which can also be done outside of PA).
There is also the option to link to your XClub account. Here is the personal info required:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Last four of your Social Security number
- Email address
- Phone number
- Address
To download to desktop go to pa.parxcasino.com.
The Android download is an easy process when you go to pa.parxcasino.com on your phone’s browser. The option to download on Android will immediately pop up. Once you click that, the app will begin to download on your phone.
Current promotions for Parx Sportsbook customers
All new Parx customers can get $10 free just for signing up. There is no deposit required.
If you are depositing, be sure to take advantage of the deposit bonus promo. Parx is offering a risk-free bet of up to $250 commiserate with your first deposit.
Both of these are available without a promo code.
Some small print to note on both of the promos:
- It must be used in full and cannot be divided into multiple bets
- It’s only valid on events with minimum odds greater than -200
- It must be used in 10 calendar days from the date it was awarded
- Any unused or remaining free bet amount will be forfeited
- To be eligible for the $250 risk free offer the player must deposit a minimum of $10
Parx Sportsbook deposit and withdraw
Customers have a number of ways to get money online.
The current deposit options are:
- Play+ prepaid card
- ACH/ e-check
- Bank wire
- Cash at the Parx cage
- Check
- PayNearMe
Withdrawal options:
- VIP Preferred (ACH/eCheck)
- Check by mail
- Cash at the cage
- Play+
Parx establishes dominance
Parx’s physical location in Bensalem began taking bets in January. A few weeks later, the South Philadelphia Turf Club, located a Carson Wentz Hail Mary from the sports complex, added sports betting to their offerings. Oaks Race & Sportsbook (the turf club formerly known as Valley Forge), received a $500,000 renovation for its March sports betting launch.
Currently, Parx operates three of Pennsylvania’s eight retail sportsbooks.
Chasing a sugar high
At the end of May, SugarHouse launched the Commonwealth’s first online sports betting platform, PlaySugarHouse.com. Across four days, most of it a testing period, it took $573,163 in bets. If SugarHouse were to keep that same level of action across a month, it would have generated more than $4.4 million in online bets.
In New Jersey, there are 14 online sportsbooks. In May, online operators accounted for more than 80% of the overall handle. At 82.6% of the total handle, May featured the highest percentage of bets made with NJ online sportsbooks.