MGM has introduced a new way to gamble in Springfield.
The casino is celebrating its one-year anniversary since opening in Western Massachusetts and unveiling another offering on the casino floor this weekend: stadium gaming.
Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, will spin the first ball on the roulette table Saturday afternoon.
24 terminals offer four games - blackjack, roulette and two games of baccarat - on computer screens with live dealers running the games. Guests can choose to play a single game or all four simultaneously.
“Anything you can do from a live table you can do here,” said Robert Westerfield, vice president of gaming operations at MGM Springfield.
The games run quicker than at a traditional baccarat or blackjack game, as the computer system handles bets and payouts. Additionally, the stadium gaming setup can handle more games at once. If all 24 terminals were occupied by guests playing four games at once, 96 games would be played.
“You get more action in,” Westerfield said, comparing the energy of stadium gaming to a craps table.
This allows MGM Springfield “to be a lot more creative with our limit,” Westerfield said.
MGM Springfield will offer stadium games in the $5, $10 price range.
Stadium gaming is located in a high-traffic area of the casino floor, next to the cashier’s station.
If you're a new player and interested in padding your bankroll (and really, why wouldn't you be?), then be sure to take advantage of the Parx online casino welcome offer, which is a 100% match up to $500 on first deposits.
Parx Casino bonus details 2019
Parx Casino PA Promo Code
None needed
Deposit Bonus
100% up to $500
True Monetary Value
Up to $300
Deposit bonus wager req.
20x slots, 40x roulette, 200x others
Deposit bonus
There is perhaps no more enticing time to take a spin of the roulette wheel, or try your hand at a jackpot slot, then right when you first register for an online casino. That's because nearly all sites offer a one-time bonus to new players. In the case of Parx online casino, new players are entitled to a 100% match up to $500.
To be clear, this isn't free money. In order to guarantee that you won't take the bonus funds and run, operators require that you first play through your bonus a certain number of times before it converts to cash. This is known as the wagering requirement — the higher the requirement, the lower the value of the bonus.
In the case of Parx, the bonus comes affixed with a 20x wagering requirement on slots, which is neither great or terrible. So if you deposit the full $500, and receive a $500 bonus, you'll have to wager $10,000 to convert the funds to cash. That works out to 5% cashback on your wagers, which is good enough to turn most slots into positive plays, but just barely.
You can also clear the bonus on other games, but you may not want to. On roulette, the contribution rate is cut in half, meaning you'll have to meet a 40x wagering requirement to clear the bonus. It's even worse for blackjack and other table game players, who will have to turn over their bonus a whopping 200 times. Not exactly efficient considering you only have 30 days to clear the bonus.
Screenshots
Registering an account
Signing up for Parx online casino is a relatively straightforward four-step process, or less if you happen to be an Xclub member, which is Parx's land-based player rewards program.
Who is eligible to play on Parx online casino?
If you're not at least Pennsylvania's legal gambling age of 21, don't even bother trying to register — it won't work. Same deal if you're already on the state's self-exclusion list.
Otherwise, if you're in possession of a social security number and a valid address, you're good to go. Feel free to register from anywhere in the country, as you only have to have two feet in Pennsylvania to place real-money wagers, and not to perform account management features.
Well, almost anywhere in Pennsylvania. Due to a weird and unnecessary (in our opinion) regulation, you can't place real-money wagers from PA land-based casino floors. You may also have difficulty if you're extremely close to another state's border, like on the Delaware River, for instance.
Signing up
Here's how the registration process works:
Follow one of the links on this page to magically be whisked away to Parx online casino.
Click the "Sign Up" icon, located in the upper right-hand portion of the screen.
If you're an Xclub member, go ahead and link your account, it'll cut down on the registration process significantly.
If not, fill in your email, DOB, login credentials, and security question on page 1.
On page 2, enter your full name, address, cell number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
Enter any promo code you might have, and choose how you want to receive communications.
Finally, check all the boxes on page 4 (make sure all the information is accurate first), and hit "Submit".
If all of your information passes a verification check, your account will be created, and you'll be free to either browse the lobby, or make a first real-money deposit, taking advantage of your 100% up to $500 deposit match offer.
Parx account sign up process.
Available platforms
Players won't have to download a thing to play on Parx online casino from their desktop, laptop or Mac. Simply navigate to the site from your favorite browser (any one will do), login and start playing. All right, it's not quite that easy, as you'll have to be geolocated within the state before you wager real-money, but if your computer already has WiFi enabled, you're set. If not, you can purchase a WiFi adapter, and that should do the trick. Oh, and make sure to enable Flash if you haven't already.
There is also a downloadable app for Android devices. It can be downloaded directly from the Parx online casino site, but not the Google Play store, due to its restrictions on gambling apps. Unfortunately, there is no iOS app at present, as Apple has recently required that all gambling apps be native apps, as opposed to apps wrapped in an HTML container. Parx may find a workaround so that iOS users can play from their browser, (like Play SugarHouse did) but if not, it'll probably be some time before we see Parx online casino on iOS.
On a positive note, the site's sportsbook is available on iOS, as well as desktop and Android.
The interface
While not without its flaws, the Parx interface is a shining example of what a modern online casino can look like if enough care is put into it. The design was lifted straight from Parx's stellar looking main casino website, and pairs nicely.
Starting with the main gaming lobby, we have to say that it's reasonably well organized, with just enough flair as to not distract. Sorting functions in the lobby allow players to find featured, new, and popular games, although we do wish it took less clicking to get the view we wanted. Different menu views and games load quickly, and we rarely experienced lag or a disconnection, although there was the occasional page not found error.
The main menu opens up a whole slew of subcategories, including quick access to the sportsbook, promotions, leaderboards, and customer support lines. Once logged in, players gain access to a bevy of account management features, including a full-fledged cashier with easy to decipher icons, detailed balance histories, bonus information, messages from the casino, and much more. There are also quick links to support and the cashier, which are bound to be two of the more commonly used functions.
Nothing is perfect, and navigating around Parx online casino can be a bit jarring at times. There are also a couple of annoying software glitches, and the odd ugly graphic. Still, for a site that is this graphically intensive, we were surprised that loading times didn't take forever.
The Android mobile app is a virtual clone of the desktop version, just with slightly fewer games. Although we did notice that screens are a bit slower to load from the app.
Cashiering at Parx online casino
Parx Casino offers an impressive number of depositing options, and while they're not all entirely viable, you have to admire the ambition.
Top 3 deposit methods
ACH e-Check VIP Preferred: Deposit directly using your checking account, with high acceptance rates. If you've used VIP Preferred on other gambling sites, you won't even have to enter your digits, they'll already be stored.
Play+ prepaid card: This is a personalized prepaid card account that can be loaded via debit cards, credit cards, and checking accounts. A great alternative if you have trouble depositing with other methods. You don't even need a physical card to deposit funds, but when you do get one it can be used at PULSE or NYCE ATM machines, as well as wherever Discover is accepted.
Cash @ Cage: Normally, we don't view casino cage deposits as top-tier, but Parx Casino is such a popular casino, that it's likely many customers who gamble on the online site are already patrons of the land-based casino in Bensalem, PA. Load funds with cash directly on to your online account. Takes minutes.
Other methods:
MasterCard / Visa credit & debit cards
Bank wires
Physical checks
PayNearMe
Withdrawals
Parx Casino offers four withdrawal methods, and most of them are viable. Players can withdraw to their checking accounts (ACH), to their Parx Play+ card (pending they registered for one), at the Parx Casino cage, or they can request a physical check by snail mail.
As far as withdrawal turnaround times, they're a mixed bag. ACH withdrawals took approximately 5-6 days to reach our bank accounts. We are certain that will improve as the industry matures, but that's what it is now. Play+ withdrawals are speedier, and of course, you can get your money immediately by requesting a Cash @ Cage withdrawal, with the main stipulation being that you'll have to travel down to Parx Casino in Bensalem to grab your funds.
Check by mail needs some work, as the minimum withdrawal amount is $500, which is just way too high. Other methods only require a minimum withdrawal amount of 10 bucks.
Game selection at Parx online casino
Parx has slowly grown its selection of games, but it's still far from first-class. Give it time, as the process of getting new games approved can be a long and arduous one.
For now, Parx has nearly 50 games up and running, the majority of them high-return slots, with a couple of table game exclusives. It's a small, but solid, selection.
Best slot machines: Parx PA
Slots vary widely, in how they look, their gameplay mechanics, and most importantly, in the odds. A bad slot might only return 85 or 90 cents, on average, per every dollar wagered. Luckily, Parx Casino offers a slew of slots with favorable odds, with returns as high as 98 cents on the dollar.
The slots found online are vastly superior, in terms of odds, than those found on most Pennsylvania casino floors. Here's a look at some of the best:
Bloodsuckers: This vampire-themed slot is a go-to for players looking to clear bonuses, as it wields a very high return and isn't very volatile. Does it look dated? Yes. Is it very exciting? No. But in terms of pure odds, it's the best slot on the site.
Reel Rush: This staff-favorite by NetEnt offers an exciting feature where players who score a line pay win a respin where more and more reel positions "open up." Open up every position and be whisked away to the free spins bonus game. This product is much more volatile than Bloodsuckers, but offers a very solid return of 97%.
Secrets of Atlantis: Take to the deep seas, and enjoy features such as Colossal Respins and Nudge Wilds. Also, enjoy the very impressive 97.1% return-to-player.
Fan-favorite slots
China Shores: This slot originally gained its popularly at brick and mortar casinos, where players were enticed by its Balance of Fortune feature, and big win possibilities. The same game is now online, where it's just as popular, and features a solid 96.1% return.
Hotline: If you like Miami Vice (and really, who doesn't), then Hotline is for you. Among the most exciting games we've played, Hotline offers an expanding wild respin feature that is off the chain. During the even more compelling bonus game, the expanding wilds "lock in", making for some gigantic wins.
Starburst: One of the few NetEnt games that doesn't offer a bonus round, Starburst is popular among newer players due to its dazzling graphics, simplistic gameplay, and high return of over 96%.
Jackpot slots
There's only one, but at least it's an awesome one: Divine Fortune. Unlike most progressive slot machines that offer a base-game that hardly pays out at all, Divine Fortune boasts a 96.6% return, and several allures beyond the Mega Jackpot prize.
For one, players that land a wild on any reel will earn a respin. The wild will move down one position each respin, granting more respins until it falls off the screen. More wilds can be earned during this feature, lengthening the spin even further. Not only that, but if a wild lands on an existing wild, the whole reel becomes wild, guaranteeing at least two more respins.
Players can also win a Free Spins feature, where all wilds automatically expand. Additionally, earn three coins, and trigger the Jackpot feature, where players can earn additional cash prizes, Minor and Major jackpot bonuses, and yes, the Mega Jackpot.
While we're on the topic of the Mega, it hits often enough to keep the game interesting. This serves in deep contrast to most progressives, which can go months and years without triggering.
Table games
Blackjack
Parx has exactly one Blackjack game at present, and it's just OK. Pro Blackjack PA has some of the same player-friendly rules that are offered at land-based casinos in Pennsylvania, like 3:2 on blackjacks, double any two, double after split, and dealer stands on soft 17.
But the graphics are antiquated, players can only play one hand at a time, and the minimum wager is a rather high $5. Additionally, the game asks if you want insurance when the dealer has a 10 through King showing, which is just bizarre, and among the absolute worst bets we've seen at an online casino. This needs to be fixed right away.
Finally, there is no misclick prevention. In other words, if a player accidentally clicks "Hit" on a 20, the system won't issue a warning or notification — players will simply get another card. Other products we've sampled offer a pop-up when we try to hit on 17 or higher. Misclicks happen, and an online casino shouldn't exploit that.
Parx could do better here.
Roulette
There are two roulette games available: American Roulette and European Roulette, both by NetEnt.
These games are highly functional, with multiple settings, easy to understand wagering, and crisp graphics. Seeing as they're made by the same provider, the games are virtually identical, except that American Roulette has a 0 and a 00, whereas the European version only has a 0, and thus better odds.
This is one instance where patriotism is a negative: dodge the American version of the game — the house edge is nearly double.
Other table games
The only other table game at present is EZ Baccarat, which is basically just regular Baccarat except that instead of forking over 5% commission on winning Banker bets, players push on Banker wagers when the banker wins with a three-card 7.
There are two sucker, eh, side bets: Panda 8 (25:1 on Player wins with a three-card 8) and Dragon 7, which pays out 40:1 on a Banker win with a three-card 7. The odds for these side bets are significantly lower when compared to the base game.
Video poker at Parx online casino
Give Parx a lot of credit here for offering a 9/6 Jacks or Better game. Unfortunately, the gameplay and graphics already pale in comparison to the vastly superior, yet still underwhelming, Game King version of the game.
Still, can't complain about a game that offers a 99.54% return. Hopefully, we'll see more full-pay video poker games added soon.
Live Dealer games
Live Dealer is all the rave of late, offering more socially-minded (and skeptical) gamblers the opportunity to play in a live casino setting, all from their personal computers or mobile device. Real chips, real dealers, real players — this is about as close as it gets to being on a casino floor as possible (just without the smoke and spilled drinks).
Parx does not offer Live Dealer games at present, but if anyone is going to be a first-mover on the format, it's Parx, as the land-based casino is heavy on table games, and Parx has already shown a willingness to go all-in on online casino gambling. There's no way it's going to miss out on the Live Dealer opportunity — it's just a matter of time.
Parx Online player rewards program
The lack of a player rewards program at Parx online casino leaves us scratching our heads. Parx is the state's highest revenue-generating casino, with tons of players signed up for its Xclub rewards program. It just seems obvious to give online players the ability to earn Xclub points online, for use online or at its land-based locale.
US Bets has confirmed that Parx is at least considering tying its retail rewards program to its online casino, we're just surprised it hasn't happened yet.
If and when it is linked, players will earn points that may apply to their tier status (Players, Premium, and Elite levels), and will earn kickbacks that can be spent at either the online casino, land-based casino, or both. Parx Casino mailers typically consist of free play, sweepstakes drawings, and other events, and we'd love to see players earn those rewards from their online play as well.
On a side note, Parx has been quick to offer personalized promotions to its players, including free spins, deposit match reloads, and other bonus opportunities. This lessens the impact of there being no rewards program quite a bit.
Customer support
Support lines are still in their infancy, so we'll extend some allowances for there being no phone chat option as of yet.
In addition to an extensive FAQ, Parx online casino offers email and Live Chat support from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., seven days a week — sorry early risers and night owls. Hopefully these hours will be extended in short order.
Our experience with agents has been just dandy so far, as they seemed informed on the product and were able to answer most of our tough questions. Obviously, you'll get a quicker response using Live Chat, but email support is better for compound inquiries.
If you're a new player and interested in padding your bankroll (and really, why wouldn't you be?), then be sure to take advantage of the Parx online casino welcome offer, which is a 100% match up to $500 on first deposits.
Parx Casino bonus details 2019
Parx Casino PA Promo Code
None needed
Deposit Bonus
100% up to $500
True Monetary Value
Up to $300
Deposit bonus wager req.
20x slots, 40x roulette, 200x others
Deposit bonus
There is perhaps no more enticing time to take a spin of the roulette wheel, or try your hand at a jackpot slot, then right when you first register for an online casino. That's because nearly all sites offer a one-time bonus to new players. In the case of Parx online casino, new players are entitled to a 100% match up to $500.
To be clear, this isn't free money. In order to guarantee that you won't take the bonus funds and run, operators require that you first play through your bonus a certain number of times before it converts to cash. This is known as the wagering requirement — the higher the requirement, the lower the value of the bonus.
In the case of Parx, the bonus comes affixed with a 20x wagering requirement on slots, which is neither great or terrible. So if you deposit the full $500, and receive a $500 bonus, you'll have to wager $10,000 to convert the funds to cash. That works out to 5% cashback on your wagers, which is good enough to turn most slots into positive plays, but just barely.
You can also clear the bonus on other games, but you may not want to. On roulette, the contribution rate is cut in half, meaning you'll have to meet a 40x wagering requirement to clear the bonus. It's even worse for blackjack and other table game players, who will have to turn over their bonus a whopping 200 times. Not exactly efficient considering you only have 30 days to clear the bonus.
Screenshots
Registering an account
Signing up for Parx online casino is a relatively straightforward four-step process, or less if you happen to be an Xclub member, which is Parx's land-based player rewards program.
Who is eligible to play on Parx online casino?
If you're not at least Pennsylvania's legal gambling age of 21, don't even bother trying to register — it won't work. Same deal if you're already on the state's self-exclusion list.
Otherwise, if you're in possession of a social security number and a valid address, you're good to go. Feel free to register from anywhere in the country, as you only have to have two feet in Pennsylvania to place real-money wagers, and not to perform account management features.
Well, almost anywhere in Pennsylvania. Due to a weird and unnecessary (in our opinion) regulation, you can't place real-money wagers from PA land-based casino floors. You may also have difficulty if you're extremely close to another state's border, like on the Delaware River, for instance.
Signing up
Here's how the registration process works:
Follow one of the links on this page to magically be whisked away to Parx online casino.
Click the "Sign Up" icon, located in the upper right-hand portion of the screen.
If you're an Xclub member, go ahead and link your account, it'll cut down on the registration process significantly.
If not, fill in your email, DOB, login credentials, and security question on page 1.
On page 2, enter your full name, address, cell number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
Enter any promo code you might have, and choose how you want to receive communications.
Finally, check all the boxes on page 4 (make sure all the information is accurate first), and hit "Submit".
If all of your information passes a verification check, your account will be created, and you'll be free to either browse the lobby, or make a first real-money deposit, taking advantage of your 100% up to $500 deposit match offer.
Parx account sign up process.
Available platforms
Players won't have to download a thing to play on Parx online casino from their desktop, laptop or Mac. Simply navigate to the site from your favorite browser (any one will do), login and start playing. All right, it's not quite that easy, as you'll have to be geolocated within the state before you wager real-money, but if your computer already has WiFi enabled, you're set. If not, you can purchase a WiFi adapter, and that should do the trick. Oh, and make sure to enable Flash if you haven't already.
There is also a downloadable app for Android devices. It can be downloaded directly from the Parx online casino site, but not the Google Play store, due to its restrictions on gambling apps. Unfortunately, there is no iOS app at present, as Apple has recently required that all gambling apps be native apps, as opposed to apps wrapped in an HTML container. Parx may find a workaround so that iOS users can play from their browser, (like Play SugarHouse did) but if not, it'll probably be some time before we see Parx online casino on iOS.
On a positive note, the site's sportsbook is available on iOS, as well as desktop and Android.
The interface
While not without its flaws, the Parx interface is a shining example of what a modern online casino can look like if enough care is put into it. The design was lifted straight from Parx's stellar looking main casino website, and pairs nicely.
Starting with the main gaming lobby, we have to say that it's reasonably well organized, with just enough flair as to not distract. Sorting functions in the lobby allow players to find featured, new, and popular games, although we do wish it took less clicking to get the view we wanted. Different menu views and games load quickly, and we rarely experienced lag or a disconnection, although there was the occasional page not found error.
The main menu opens up a whole slew of subcategories, including quick access to the sportsbook, promotions, leaderboards, and customer support lines. Once logged in, players gain access to a bevy of account management features, including a full-fledged cashier with easy to decipher icons, detailed balance histories, bonus information, messages from the casino, and much more. There are also quick links to support and the cashier, which are bound to be two of the more commonly used functions.
Nothing is perfect, and navigating around Parx online casino can be a bit jarring at times. There are also a couple of annoying software glitches, and the odd ugly graphic. Still, for a site that is this graphically intensive, we were surprised that loading times didn't take forever.
The Android mobile app is a virtual clone of the desktop version, just with slightly fewer games. Although we did notice that screens are a bit slower to load from the app.
Cashiering at Parx online casino
Parx Casino offers an impressive number of depositing options, and while they're not all entirely viable, you have to admire the ambition.
Top 3 deposit methods
ACH e-Check VIP Preferred: Deposit directly using your checking account, with high acceptance rates. If you've used VIP Preferred on other gambling sites, you won't even have to enter your digits, they'll already be stored.
Play+ prepaid card: This is a personalized prepaid card account that can be loaded via debit cards, credit cards, and checking accounts. A great alternative if you have trouble depositing with other methods. You don't even need a physical card to deposit funds, but when you do get one it can be used at PULSE or NYCE ATM machines, as well as wherever Discover is accepted.
Cash @ Cage: Normally, we don't view casino cage deposits as top-tier, but Parx Casino is such a popular casino, that it's likely many customers who gamble on the online site are already patrons of the land-based casino in Bensalem, PA. Load funds with cash directly on to your online account. Takes minutes.
Other methods:
MasterCard / Visa credit & debit cards
Bank wires
Physical checks
PayNearMe
Withdrawals
Parx Casino offers four withdrawal methods, and most of them are viable. Players can withdraw to their checking accounts (ACH), to their Parx Play+ card (pending they registered for one), at the Parx Casino cage, or they can request a physical check by snail mail.
As far as withdrawal turnaround times, they're a mixed bag. ACH withdrawals took approximately 5-6 days to reach our bank accounts. We are certain that will improve as the industry matures, but that's what it is now. Play+ withdrawals are speedier, and of course, you can get your money immediately by requesting a Cash @ Cage withdrawal, with the main stipulation being that you'll have to travel down to Parx Casino in Bensalem to grab your funds.
Check by mail needs some work, as the minimum withdrawal amount is $500, which is just way too high. Other methods only require a minimum withdrawal amount of 10 bucks.
Game selection at Parx online casino
Parx has slowly grown its selection of games, but it's still far from first-class. Give it time, as the process of getting new games approved can be a long and arduous one.
For now, Parx has nearly 50 games up and running, the majority of them high-return slots, with a couple of table game exclusives. It's a small, but solid, selection.
Best slot machines: Parx PA
Slots vary widely, in how they look, their gameplay mechanics, and most importantly, in the odds. A bad slot might only return 85 or 90 cents, on average, per every dollar wagered. Luckily, Parx Casino offers a slew of slots with favorable odds, with returns as high as 98 cents on the dollar.
The slots found online are vastly superior, in terms of odds, than those found on most Pennsylvania casino floors. Here's a look at some of the best:
Bloodsuckers: This vampire-themed slot is a go-to for players looking to clear bonuses, as it wields a very high return and isn't very volatile. Does it look dated? Yes. Is it very exciting? No. But in terms of pure odds, it's the best slot on the site.
Reel Rush: This staff-favorite by NetEnt offers an exciting feature where players who score a line pay win a respin where more and more reel positions "open up." Open up every position and be whisked away to the free spins bonus game. This product is much more volatile than Bloodsuckers, but offers a very solid return of 97%.
Secrets of Atlantis: Take to the deep seas, and enjoy features such as Colossal Respins and Nudge Wilds. Also, enjoy the very impressive 97.1% return-to-player.
Fan-favorite slots
China Shores: This slot originally gained its popularly at brick and mortar casinos, where players were enticed by its Balance of Fortune feature, and big win possibilities. The same game is now online, where it's just as popular, and features a solid 96.1% return.
Hotline: If you like Miami Vice (and really, who doesn't), then Hotline is for you. Among the most exciting games we've played, Hotline offers an expanding wild respin feature that is off the chain. During the even more compelling bonus game, the expanding wilds "lock in", making for some gigantic wins.
Starburst: One of the few NetEnt games that doesn't offer a bonus round, Starburst is popular among newer players due to its dazzling graphics, simplistic gameplay, and high return of over 96%.
Jackpot slots
There's only one, but at least it's an awesome one: Divine Fortune. Unlike most progressive slot machines that offer a base-game that hardly pays out at all, Divine Fortune boasts a 96.6% return, and several allures beyond the Mega Jackpot prize.
For one, players that land a wild on any reel will earn a respin. The wild will move down one position each respin, granting more respins until it falls off the screen. More wilds can be earned during this feature, lengthening the spin even further. Not only that, but if a wild lands on an existing wild, the whole reel becomes wild, guaranteeing at least two more respins.
Players can also win a Free Spins feature, where all wilds automatically expand. Additionally, earn three coins, and trigger the Jackpot feature, where players can earn additional cash prizes, Minor and Major jackpot bonuses, and yes, the Mega Jackpot.
While we're on the topic of the Mega, it hits often enough to keep the game interesting. This serves in deep contrast to most progressives, which can go months and years without triggering.
Table games
Blackjack
Parx has exactly one Blackjack game at present, and it's just OK. Pro Blackjack PA has some of the same player-friendly rules that are offered at land-based casinos in Pennsylvania, like 3:2 on blackjacks, double any two, double after split, and dealer stands on soft 17.
But the graphics are antiquated, players can only play one hand at a time, and the minimum wager is a rather high $5. Additionally, the game asks if you want insurance when the dealer has a 10 through King showing, which is just bizarre, and among the absolute worst bets we've seen at an online casino. This needs to be fixed right away.
Finally, there is no misclick prevention. In other words, if a player accidentally clicks "Hit" on a 20, the system won't issue a warning or notification — players will simply get another card. Other products we've sampled offer a pop-up when we try to hit on 17 or higher. Misclicks happen, and an online casino shouldn't exploit that.
Parx could do better here.
Roulette
There are two roulette games available: American Roulette and European Roulette, both by NetEnt.
These games are highly functional, with multiple settings, easy to understand wagering, and crisp graphics. Seeing as they're made by the same provider, the games are virtually identical, except that American Roulette has a 0 and a 00, whereas the European version only has a 0, and thus better odds.
This is one instance where patriotism is a negative: dodge the American version of the game — the house edge is nearly double.
Other table games
The only other table game at present is EZ Baccarat, which is basically just regular Baccarat except that instead of forking over 5% commission on winning Banker bets, players push on Banker wagers when the banker wins with a three-card 7.
There are two sucker, eh, side bets: Panda 8 (25:1 on Player wins with a three-card 8) and Dragon 7, which pays out 40:1 on a Banker win with a three-card 7. The odds for these side bets are significantly lower when compared to the base game.
Video poker at Parx online casino
Give Parx a lot of credit here for offering a 9/6 Jacks or Better game. Unfortunately, the gameplay and graphics already pale in comparison to the vastly superior, yet still underwhelming, Game King version of the game.
Still, can't complain about a game that offers a 99.54% return. Hopefully, we'll see more full-pay video poker games added soon.
Live Dealer games
Live Dealer is all the rave of late, offering more socially-minded (and skeptical) gamblers the opportunity to play in a live casino setting, all from their personal computers or mobile device. Real chips, real dealers, real players — this is about as close as it gets to being on a casino floor as possible (just without the smoke and spilled drinks).
Parx does not offer Live Dealer games at present, but if anyone is going to be a first-mover on the format, it's Parx, as the land-based casino is heavy on table games, and Parx has already shown a willingness to go all-in on online casino gambling. There's no way it's going to miss out on the Live Dealer opportunity — it's just a matter of time.
Parx Online player rewards program
The lack of a player rewards program at Parx online casino leaves us scratching our heads. Parx is the state's highest revenue-generating casino, with tons of players signed up for its Xclub rewards program. It just seems obvious to give online players the ability to earn Xclub points online, for use online or at its land-based locale.
US Bets has confirmed that Parx is at least considering tying its retail rewards program to its online casino, we're just surprised it hasn't happened yet.
If and when it is linked, players will earn points that may apply to their tier status (Players, Premium, and Elite levels), and will earn kickbacks that can be spent at either the online casino, land-based casino, or both. Parx Casino mailers typically consist of free play, sweepstakes drawings, and other events, and we'd love to see players earn those rewards from their online play as well.
On a side note, Parx has been quick to offer personalized promotions to its players, including free spins, deposit match reloads, and other bonus opportunities. This lessens the impact of there being no rewards program quite a bit.
Customer support
Support lines are still in their infancy, so we'll extend some allowances for there being no phone chat option as of yet.
In addition to an extensive FAQ, Parx online casino offers email and Live Chat support from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., seven days a week — sorry early risers and night owls. Hopefully these hours will be extended in short order.
Our experience with agents has been just dandy so far, as they seemed informed on the product and were able to answer most of our tough questions. Obviously, you'll get a quicker response using Live Chat, but email support is better for compound inquiries.
If you're a new player and interested in padding your bankroll (and really, why wouldn't you be?), then be sure to take advantage of the Parx online casino welcome offer, which is a 100% match up to $500 on first deposits.
Parx Casino bonus details 2019
Parx Casino PA Promo Code
None needed
Deposit Bonus
100% up to $500
True Monetary Value
Up to $300
Deposit bonus wager req.
20x slots, 40x roulette, 200x others
Deposit bonus
There is perhaps no more enticing time to take a spin of the roulette wheel, or try your hand at a jackpot slot, then right when you first register for an online casino. That's because nearly all sites offer a one-time bonus to new players. In the case of Parx online casino, new players are entitled to a 100% match up to $500.
To be clear, this isn't free money. In order to guarantee that you won't take the bonus funds and run, operators require that you first play through your bonus a certain number of times before it converts to cash. This is known as the wagering requirement — the higher the requirement, the lower the value of the bonus.
In the case of Parx, the bonus comes affixed with a 20x wagering requirement on slots, which is neither great or terrible. So if you deposit the full $500, and receive a $500 bonus, you'll have to wager $10,000 to convert the funds to cash. That works out to 5% cashback on your wagers, which is good enough to turn most slots into positive plays, but just barely.
You can also clear the bonus on other games, but you may not want to. On roulette, the contribution rate is cut in half, meaning you'll have to meet a 40x wagering requirement to clear the bonus. It's even worse for blackjack and other table game players, who will have to turn over their bonus a whopping 200 times. Not exactly efficient considering you only have 30 days to clear the bonus.
Screenshots
Registering an account
Signing up for Parx online casino is a relatively straightforward four-step process, or less if you happen to be an Xclub member, which is Parx's land-based player rewards program.
Who is eligible to play on Parx online casino?
If you're not at least Pennsylvania's legal gambling age of 21, don't even bother trying to register — it won't work. Same deal if you're already on the state's self-exclusion list.
Otherwise, if you're in possession of a social security number and a valid address, you're good to go. Feel free to register from anywhere in the country, as you only have to have two feet in Pennsylvania to place real-money wagers, and not to perform account management features.
Well, almost anywhere in Pennsylvania. Due to a weird and unnecessary (in our opinion) regulation, you can't place real-money wagers from PA land-based casino floors. You may also have difficulty if you're extremely close to another state's border, like on the Delaware River, for instance.
Signing up
Here's how the registration process works:
Follow one of the links on this page to magically be whisked away to Parx online casino.
Click the "Sign Up" icon, located in the upper right-hand portion of the screen.
If you're an Xclub member, go ahead and link your account, it'll cut down on the registration process significantly.
If not, fill in your email, DOB, login credentials, and security question on page 1.
On page 2, enter your full name, address, cell number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
Enter any promo code you might have, and choose how you want to receive communications.
Finally, check all the boxes on page 4 (make sure all the information is accurate first), and hit "Submit".
If all of your information passes a verification check, your account will be created, and you'll be free to either browse the lobby, or make a first real-money deposit, taking advantage of your 100% up to $500 deposit match offer.
Parx account sign up process.
Available platforms
Players won't have to download a thing to play on Parx online casino from their desktop, laptop or Mac. Simply navigate to the site from your favorite browser (any one will do), login and start playing. All right, it's not quite that easy, as you'll have to be geolocated within the state before you wager real-money, but if your computer already has WiFi enabled, you're set. If not, you can purchase a WiFi adapter, and that should do the trick. Oh, and make sure to enable Flash if you haven't already.
There is also a downloadable app for Android devices. It can be downloaded directly from the Parx online casino site, but not the Google Play store, due to its restrictions on gambling apps. Unfortunately, there is no iOS app at present, as Apple has recently required that all gambling apps be native apps, as opposed to apps wrapped in an HTML container. Parx may find a workaround so that iOS users can play from their browser, (like Play SugarHouse did) but if not, it'll probably be some time before we see Parx online casino on iOS.
On a positive note, the site's sportsbook is available on iOS, as well as desktop and Android.
The interface
While not without its flaws, the Parx interface is a shining example of what a modern online casino can look like if enough care is put into it. The design was lifted straight from Parx's stellar looking main casino website, and pairs nicely.
Starting with the main gaming lobby, we have to say that it's reasonably well organized, with just enough flair as to not distract. Sorting functions in the lobby allow players to find featured, new, and popular games, although we do wish it took less clicking to get the view we wanted. Different menu views and games load quickly, and we rarely experienced lag or a disconnection, although there was the occasional page not found error.
The main menu opens up a whole slew of subcategories, including quick access to the sportsbook, promotions, leaderboards, and customer support lines. Once logged in, players gain access to a bevy of account management features, including a full-fledged cashier with easy to decipher icons, detailed balance histories, bonus information, messages from the casino, and much more. There are also quick links to support and the cashier, which are bound to be two of the more commonly used functions.
Nothing is perfect, and navigating around Parx online casino can be a bit jarring at times. There are also a couple of annoying software glitches, and the odd ugly graphic. Still, for a site that is this graphically intensive, we were surprised that loading times didn't take forever.
The Android mobile app is a virtual clone of the desktop version, just with slightly fewer games. Although we did notice that screens are a bit slower to load from the app.
Cashiering at Parx online casino
Parx Casino offers an impressive number of depositing options, and while they're not all entirely viable, you have to admire the ambition.
Top 3 deposit methods
ACH e-Check VIP Preferred: Deposit directly using your checking account, with high acceptance rates. If you've used VIP Preferred on other gambling sites, you won't even have to enter your digits, they'll already be stored.
Play+ prepaid card: This is a personalized prepaid card account that can be loaded via debit cards, credit cards, and checking accounts. A great alternative if you have trouble depositing with other methods. You don't even need a physical card to deposit funds, but when you do get one it can be used at PULSE or NYCE ATM machines, as well as wherever Discover is accepted.
Cash @ Cage: Normally, we don't view casino cage deposits as top-tier, but Parx Casino is such a popular casino, that it's likely many customers who gamble on the online site are already patrons of the land-based casino in Bensalem, PA. Load funds with cash directly on to your online account. Takes minutes.
Other methods:
MasterCard / Visa credit & debit cards
Bank wires
Physical checks
PayNearMe
Withdrawals
Parx Casino offers four withdrawal methods, and most of them are viable. Players can withdraw to their checking accounts (ACH), to their Parx Play+ card (pending they registered for one), at the Parx Casino cage, or they can request a physical check by snail mail.
As far as withdrawal turnaround times, they're a mixed bag. ACH withdrawals took approximately 5-6 days to reach our bank accounts. We are certain that will improve as the industry matures, but that's what it is now. Play+ withdrawals are speedier, and of course, you can get your money immediately by requesting a Cash @ Cage withdrawal, with the main stipulation being that you'll have to travel down to Parx Casino in Bensalem to grab your funds.
Check by mail needs some work, as the minimum withdrawal amount is $500, which is just way too high. Other methods only require a minimum withdrawal amount of 10 bucks.
Game selection at Parx online casino
Parx has slowly grown its selection of games, but it's still far from first-class. Give it time, as the process of getting new games approved can be a long and arduous one.
For now, Parx has nearly 50 games up and running, the majority of them high-return slots, with a couple of table game exclusives. It's a small, but solid, selection.
Best slot machines: Parx PA
Slots vary widely, in how they look, their gameplay mechanics, and most importantly, in the odds. A bad slot might only return 85 or 90 cents, on average, per every dollar wagered. Luckily, Parx Casino offers a slew of slots with favorable odds, with returns as high as 98 cents on the dollar.
The slots found online are vastly superior, in terms of odds, than those found on most Pennsylvania casino floors. Here's a look at some of the best:
Bloodsuckers: This vampire-themed slot is a go-to for players looking to clear bonuses, as it wields a very high return and isn't very volatile. Does it look dated? Yes. Is it very exciting? No. But in terms of pure odds, it's the best slot on the site.
Reel Rush: This staff-favorite by NetEnt offers an exciting feature where players who score a line pay win a respin where more and more reel positions "open up." Open up every position and be whisked away to the free spins bonus game. This product is much more volatile than Bloodsuckers, but offers a very solid return of 97%.
Secrets of Atlantis: Take to the deep seas, and enjoy features such as Colossal Respins and Nudge Wilds. Also, enjoy the very impressive 97.1% return-to-player.
Fan-favorite slots
China Shores: This slot originally gained its popularly at brick and mortar casinos, where players were enticed by its Balance of Fortune feature, and big win possibilities. The same game is now online, where it's just as popular, and features a solid 96.1% return.
Hotline: If you like Miami Vice (and really, who doesn't), then Hotline is for you. Among the most exciting games we've played, Hotline offers an expanding wild respin feature that is off the chain. During the even more compelling bonus game, the expanding wilds "lock in", making for some gigantic wins.
Starburst: One of the few NetEnt games that doesn't offer a bonus round, Starburst is popular among newer players due to its dazzling graphics, simplistic gameplay, and high return of over 96%.
Jackpot slots
There's only one, but at least it's an awesome one: Divine Fortune. Unlike most progressive slot machines that offer a base-game that hardly pays out at all, Divine Fortune boasts a 96.6% return, and several allures beyond the Mega Jackpot prize.
For one, players that land a wild on any reel will earn a respin. The wild will move down one position each respin, granting more respins until it falls off the screen. More wilds can be earned during this feature, lengthening the spin even further. Not only that, but if a wild lands on an existing wild, the whole reel becomes wild, guaranteeing at least two more respins.
Players can also win a Free Spins feature, where all wilds automatically expand. Additionally, earn three coins, and trigger the Jackpot feature, where players can earn additional cash prizes, Minor and Major jackpot bonuses, and yes, the Mega Jackpot.
While we're on the topic of the Mega, it hits often enough to keep the game interesting. This serves in deep contrast to most progressives, which can go months and years without triggering.
Table games
Blackjack
Parx has exactly one Blackjack game at present, and it's just OK. Pro Blackjack PA has some of the same player-friendly rules that are offered at land-based casinos in Pennsylvania, like 3:2 on blackjacks, double any two, double after split, and dealer stands on soft 17.
But the graphics are antiquated, players can only play one hand at a time, and the minimum wager is a rather high $5. Additionally, the game asks if you want insurance when the dealer has a 10 through King showing, which is just bizarre, and among the absolute worst bets we've seen at an online casino. This needs to be fixed right away.
Finally, there is no misclick prevention. In other words, if a player accidentally clicks "Hit" on a 20, the system won't issue a warning or notification — players will simply get another card. Other products we've sampled offer a pop-up when we try to hit on 17 or higher. Misclicks happen, and an online casino shouldn't exploit that.
Parx could do better here.
Roulette
There are two roulette games available: American Roulette and European Roulette, both by NetEnt.
These games are highly functional, with multiple settings, easy to understand wagering, and crisp graphics. Seeing as they're made by the same provider, the games are virtually identical, except that American Roulette has a 0 and a 00, whereas the European version only has a 0, and thus better odds.
This is one instance where patriotism is a negative: dodge the American version of the game — the house edge is nearly double.
Other table games
The only other table game at present is EZ Baccarat, which is basically just regular Baccarat except that instead of forking over 5% commission on winning Banker bets, players push on Banker wagers when the banker wins with a three-card 7.
There are two sucker, eh, side bets: Panda 8 (25:1 on Player wins with a three-card 8) and Dragon 7, which pays out 40:1 on a Banker win with a three-card 7. The odds for these side bets are significantly lower when compared to the base game.
Video poker at Parx online casino
Give Parx a lot of credit here for offering a 9/6 Jacks or Better game. Unfortunately, the gameplay and graphics already pale in comparison to the vastly superior, yet still underwhelming, Game King version of the game.
Still, can't complain about a game that offers a 99.54% return. Hopefully, we'll see more full-pay video poker games added soon.
Live Dealer games
Live Dealer is all the rave of late, offering more socially-minded (and skeptical) gamblers the opportunity to play in a live casino setting, all from their personal computers or mobile device. Real chips, real dealers, real players — this is about as close as it gets to being on a casino floor as possible (just without the smoke and spilled drinks).
Parx does not offer Live Dealer games at present, but if anyone is going to be a first-mover on the format, it's Parx, as the land-based casino is heavy on table games, and Parx has already shown a willingness to go all-in on online casino gambling. There's no way it's going to miss out on the Live Dealer opportunity — it's just a matter of time.
Parx Online player rewards program
The lack of a player rewards program at Parx online casino leaves us scratching our heads. Parx is the state's highest revenue-generating casino, with tons of players signed up for its Xclub rewards program. It just seems obvious to give online players the ability to earn Xclub points online, for use online or at its land-based locale.
US Bets has confirmed that Parx is at least considering tying its retail rewards program to its online casino, we're just surprised it hasn't happened yet.
If and when it is linked, players will earn points that may apply to their tier status (Players, Premium, and Elite levels), and will earn kickbacks that can be spent at either the online casino, land-based casino, or both. Parx Casino mailers typically consist of free play, sweepstakes drawings, and other events, and we'd love to see players earn those rewards from their online play as well.
On a side note, Parx has been quick to offer personalized promotions to its players, including free spins, deposit match reloads, and other bonus opportunities. This lessens the impact of there being no rewards program quite a bit.
Customer support
Support lines are still in their infancy, so we'll extend some allowances for there being no phone chat option as of yet.
In addition to an extensive FAQ, Parx online casino offers email and Live Chat support from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m., seven days a week — sorry early risers and night owls. Hopefully these hours will be extended in short order.
Our experience with agents has been just dandy so far, as they seemed informed on the product and were able to answer most of our tough questions. Obviously, you'll get a quicker response using Live Chat, but email support is better for compound inquiries.
The latest downloadable content update to GTA Online sees the highly anticipated and long awaited Casino finally open for players to explore. The "Coming Soon" signs from 2013 have finally been taken down and it is well and truly open for business. But what does the DLC entail? What can you actually do in the casino and can you make any money from it? This article will go through it all.
However, and probably as expected when you introduce gambling into a game that previously didn't have it, the introduction of the casino has not been without some controversy. With players in over 50 countries (such as Argentina, Greece, Poland, Portugal, and South Korea) not able to use anything in the Casino at all due to gambling laws where they live, not everyone is going to get the same experience from this update. Those in the affected countries will find that this update is merely just a selection of new cars to buy, with many other features of the casino that will be detailed here completely locked off from being experienced.
For those in countries that are unaffected, read on for a complete run down of what you can do with this new update. For those in countries that are affected, keep in mind that not all of this may be possible for you.
The Diamond Casino & Resort
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
The main part of the update is of course the casino itself, and Rockstar as usual has done an excellent job when it comes to modelling the exterior and interior of the swanky new building. You can drive up to the entrance and have the valet park your car for you in the new shared space that is the casino's parking garage, an area where multiple players can congregate away from the hustle and bustle of the city (weapons are disabled in the parking garage). There is even a beautiful rooftop terrace, however this isn't locked off in any way and in most public GTA Online session will likely just become a war zone.
Although the exterior of the casino has changed, and because of that has caused some issues for races and other jobs that were created around it, it's nothing in comparison to the interior. In classic casino fashion, it's almost like a maze where you can get lost in the bright lights, tables, slot machines, VIP rooms, bars and other people enjoying what the resort has to offer. This is also a shared space—unlike the arena from the previous update, everyone who enters the casino in the same session will be in the same area, able to interact with and watch each other peacefully (again weapons are disabled).
Penthouses
What would a casino be without a place to live to keep you close to the action? The Diamond offers this in the shape of the Penthouse suite. This functions in the same way as other apartments/living spaces in the game, with each player gaining access to his own living area in which they can invite other players and customise how they see fit. A standard penthouse will set you back $1.5 million in game (a little over $20 in shark cards), with all the optional extras added, such as private blackjack table, bar, spa, arcade machines, etc bringing that price up to around $6 million instead. You can also add a single private 10 car garage to increase your overall vehicle storage capacity.
One thing new to this living space is the ability to customise it to hitherto unseen levels. Utilising a new casino-only currency called "chips" (we'll come on to this later) you can buy various decorations to place around the penthouse—wall art, trinkets for shelves and other surfaces, even floor sculptures. The level of control in where you place these items is quite remarkable, with various spots all around the penthouse to utilise. However since those in restricted countries can't even buy chips to then buy items, this aspect will be locked off for those in the countries mentioned at the start of this article despite it having no gambling connotations.
Missions
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
Buying a penthouse gives you VIP access to the casino which raises the limits for how many chips you can buy and how much you can bet, but it also gives you access to six casino missions that must be played with 3 other players. Similar in style to Lamar's missions, it's a short story in its own right where you, as the owner of the penthouse, are helping those running the casino with some troubles they're having.
Completing them will net you $50k for the first five missions plus $100k for the last the first time they are played, and if you host them all you'll receive an extra $100k plus the Paragon R (Armored), which is the only way to access this new car. There are also various bonuses which get you some extra cash too, such as completing the missions in order ($500k), while being a crew member ($100k), and while not losing a life ($50k). If you're having trouble accessing the missions, wait until you get a call from Ms Baker from outside the casino before going to the management area inside to start each mission.
Work
If you call Ms Baker you can also request additional "casino work". These consist of odd-jobs such as searching for thieves or delivering goods to the casino. There are 12 missions available but you can't choose which you will get. They can however all be done solo and in private sessions.
Each mission completion gives you around $5-10k and 5k chips, depending on the type of work you do. Completing 50 of them rewards you with $180k, but given how long they can take it's not a worthy investment from a money making perspective. You can see all the jobs here.
Cars
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
22 new vehicles were added to the game with the casino update, and only the aforementioned Paragon R (Armored) is weaponised, meaning 21 "normal" cars broken down into the following classes: 5 supercars, 6 sports cars, 3 muscle cars, 3 sports classics cars, 2 off-road vehicles, 1 SUV and 1 motorcycle. Although 22 cars were added with the update, only 7 are available initially, with the remaining 15 set to be released one per week in the usual drip-feed fashion for the next four months.
Of those that came on release day, the two new supercars (the S80RR and Thrax, which can also be won on the prize wheel) are actually very competitive for lap time, although have relatively poor top speeds. Two of the three sports cars (the Paragon R and Issi Sport) are also impressive for lap time, but all three (including the 8F Drafter) aren't too special for top speed. New cars will be tested for lap time and top speed each week on this YouTube channel to see how they fare against already existing models.
Gambling
Member Types
As a normal player walking into the casino you first have to pay a small membership fee of $500. This means you become a standard member of the casino and can play the various games on the casino floor. Buying a penthouse will upgrade you to a VIP member and will give you access to high limit tables as well as higher limits on betting and buying chips.
Lucky Wheel
In the centre of the main casino area you'll see a large spin wheel next to the revolving car—you can spin this wheel once per 24 hours for free. Some of the potential prizes include more chips, GTA dollars, or RP as well as clothing, vehicle discounts, and a 1 in 20 chance to win the car being showcased next to the wheel!
Chips
Chips are the currency of the casino. 1 chip is equivalent to 1 GTA dollar, so betting 25,000 chips is really betting $25,000. At the cashier's desk you can get 1,000 chips for free every 24 hours, and buy as many chips as you want with your GTA dollars up to a certain limit every in-game day (which is 48 minutes). The buying limit for standard members is 20,000 chips every 48 minutes, whereas for VIP members it's 50,000 chips.
Slot Machines
There's not much to these. You keep hitting a button and hope you land on a combination that is a winner. With the return rate to the player being 98.7%, you will lose money playing these over the long term (although that can be said about any casino game frankly, in GTA or real life).
Horse Racing
Unfortunately the actual horse track that's located outside the back of the casino isn't used here. Instead you'll be watching virtual horses on a screen. You make your bet on one out of six horses, each with different odds of winning (the lower the chances that a horse will win, the more money you'll win if it does) and watch the race unfold.
Table Games
Roulette, Blackjack and Three Card Poker are the table games available in the Diamond Casino. In roulette you're playing against the wheel, betting on what will come up, and in the card games you're playing against the dealer, trying to beat whatever hand they have with your own.
Playing Against Others
There is no way to gamble against other players in the casino, such as with a game of Texas hold 'em poker. All games are played against the house and while you can sit with other players at the same tables, you cannot actively play against them in any of the games.
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
As usual with things like this if you feel like you have a gambling problem it's best to avoid the casino in GTA just as it would be in real life. With the same sort of hooks being used (like free daily chips and lucky wheel spins) to get you inside and spend money on the other tables, and the potential to spend upwards of 20 USD in shark card money each day buying chips to gamble with, depending on your location, those who have problems may not be too pleased to see something they try to avoid being introduced to a game they may otherwise use to get away from such issues.
And that's pretty much it for GTA's new Diamond Casino & Resort DLC update. Since there aren't any continual money-making opportunities in the form of businesses like we've seen before with Import/Export, Gunrunning, etc. the longevity of this update is questionable. Especially given that after the missions are done there isn't really an awful lot to keep you involved except gambling, which a lot of people can't even do in the first place. Maybe that's for the best.
