The Parx Casino in Shippensburg is preparing to make a major change to its gaming experience.
Following a recent approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the casino will soon introduce traditional live table games complete with casino chips.
Since its 2023 opening, the casino has offered only a hybrid gaming table area, blending electronic terminals with live dealers for games such as blackjack, roulette, and three-card poker, but without actual casino chips or full traditional tables.
The move to traditional live table games has been discussed for weeks. But now, with Board approval, it appears that it will soon be a reality.
Unique Parx Casino in Shippensburg
Of Pennsylvania's 17 gaming establishments, the Parx Casino in Shippensburg is one of the most unique in the Keystone State. Why? It featured a hybrid gaming setup, where technology and live action intersected.
This setup revolved around 48 electronic terminals where players digitally placed their bets while interacting with live dealers. Although this model allowed for some engagement, with dealers handling physical cards and spinning an actual roulette wheel, it stopped short of providing the full experience of traditional table gaming.
Players purchase credits that are loaded onto their betting pads or terminals. This system helps games move faster and makes tracking bets and payouts simpler. Players can choose from games like blackjack, roulette, and three-card poker, with the lowest bets starting at $5.
The absence of physical chips and standard felt tables set the Parx Casino in Shippensburg apart from the others and offered a modern twist on gaming efficiency and space usage.
Big Changes About To Be Implemented
However, with the Gaming Control Board's recent approval, this setup is about to change.
Parx Casino Shippensburg is transitioning to 12 traditional live tables, accommodating 72 players. This upgrade will introduce multiple tables, including:
- Six blackjack tables
- Two three-card poker tables
- Two Ultimate Texas Hold’em tables
- Two roulette tables
Adding physical chips will make the gaming experience more hands-on and give the casino a classic feel like other casinos.
These changes are happening for a few reasons.
One reason is to cater to local tastes, which could help the casino do better. Also, adding traditional gaming tables will create new jobs, as the casino is looking to hire dealers.
Parx Casino Shippensburg plans to start offering these traditional live table games in 2026.
What Do Industry Experts Think About Parx Casino's Move?
From an industry perspective, Parx Shippensburg's transition indicates a strategic shift towards more conventional gaming formats.
This change is expected to attract more visitors and boost earnings, similar to other successful Pennsylvania casinos that mix slot machines with live table games. It also shows how smaller "mini-casinos" are adding more features while staying compact.
The new updates at Parx Shippensburg are a big step for the casino, its players, and the local gaming scene in Central Pennsylvania.
For the first time, visitors can enjoy a classic casino experience with real chips and live dealers, starting a new chapter for the casino.
