Parx Casino To Reopen Next Monday

BENSALEM, PA — Parx Casino in Bensalem will reopen on Monday, June 29, after being shut down for more than three months to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The casino, which shut its doors on March 16, will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, with a long list of extra precautions in place to help fight the spread of the virus. Bucks County will be one of 12 Pennsylvania counties moving to the less-restrictive green phase of the state's coronavirus plan on Friday.

Visitors and employees will have their temperature checked before being allowed into the casino and masks will be required. Games have been rearranged to increase social distancing and the poker room will not yet be open, according to the casino.

"As we reopen, you will notice many changes we have made based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health," Parx said in a news release. "We are excited to welcome you back and, while things will be different, we are dedicated to offering you an enjoyable gaming and entertainment experience."

Parx will close daily from 3-9 a.m. for deep cleaning on Monday through Friday, according to the casino. It will remain open 24 hours during the weekends, with ongoing cleaning during operating hours.

The following changes, to combat coronavirus, will be in place:

• Valet parking will not be available.
• Entry will be limited to marked doors, which will be open, automated or opened by Parx employees.
• If the casino has reached capacity, visitors may be asked to wait outside. Lines will be sectioned off, covered from the elements, marked for social distancing and monitored by security. There will be a special line for Elite and Premium XClub members.
• Security officers will greet guests, screen them and ask them to use hand sanitizer. Screenings will involve some questions and a temperature check done with contactless thermal cameras or infrared thermometers. Anyone who registers a temperature of 100.4 degree or more will be asked to take a second screening. If that check is also high, the visitor will not be allowed into the casino.
• Masks will be required at all times. Anyone without a clean, approved mask will be provided one. Anyone who refuses to wear a mask will be denied entry.
• Slot machines, table games, restaurant tables and other physical layouts have been arranged to promote distancing. The poker room will be closed until further notice.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed at all entrances and contact surfaces throughout the casino floor, restaurant entrances and service counters.
• Health and hygiene reminders will be displayed throughout the casino.
• Cleaning and sanitizing has been increased, with emphasis on frequent contact surfaces, including door handles, bathrooms, ATMs, TRMs, kiosks, cage counters, gaming machines, gaming tables, dining surfaces and seating areas.
• Air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning has been increased.
• All employees will submit to the same temperature check as guests. They will wear masks in all public areas and have been instructed to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer every hour and after other activities including eating, smoking, using the restroom or blowing their noses.
• Employees will be trained on new safety protocols.