Newest Philadelphia Casino Gets PA Gaming Board OK for Testing

Philadelphia’s newest casino destination is rapidly progressing to a reality.

During Wednesday’s monthly meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) it was announced that the $700 million Live! Casino Hotel Philadelphia will conduct a two-day test period this weekend (Jan. 16-17).

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During this test period, the casino will host two invitation-only charity nights on Saturday and Sunday with all proceeds donated to Philadelphia area non-profit organizations.

On Jan. 19, a media preview of the facilities will be held at 11 a.m., ahead of their Live! Rewards Member preview opening later that day.

The Cordish Gaming Group announced on Jan. 6 that it was targeting a Jan. 19 opening for Live! Casino, pending approval from the PGCB, which it received Wednesday. An official grand opening ceremony for the general public will take place in February.

The complex, located on Packer Avenue in South Philadelphia, features a full-service casino (including a 29-table poker room), a FanDuel sportsbook, along with several bars and eateries.

Second Philadelphia Casino

The casino will be the second gaming hall within the city limits as Rivers Casino Philadelphia is located on North Delaware Avenue. Parx Racing’s South Philadelphia Race and Sportsbook, also located on Packer Avenue, does not have a casino license.

Live! casino will be the fifth Category 2 (stand-alone) casino in Pennsylvania. The others: Mount Airy Casino Resort, Wind Creek Bethlehem, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and SugarHouse Casino Philadelphia.

The 12 Pennsylvania casinos reopened on Jan. 4 after a time-limited coronavirus order implemented by Gov. Tom Wolf on Dec. 12 expired.

The next PGCB meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.