Members-only previews start January 19
The new $600m Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia will officially open to the general public on February 11, pending final Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board approval. The hotel-casino tweeted out details of the opening on Wednesday:
Live! Rewards Club members can attend preview days starting January 19. Previews are available on reservation and will take place until the public opening. Two invitation-only charity nights will be held at the South Philadelphia property on January 16 and 17, with proceeds going towards local non-profit groups.
beyond excited to go Live! in Philadelphia”
The Live! hotel and casino brand is owned by The Cordish Companies, which operates in the gaming, entertainment, and hotels sectors, among others. Cordish Gaming Group executive vice president Joe Billhimer said of the upcoming opening: “We are beyond excited to go Live! in Philadelphia and bring this world-class gaming and entertainment destination to the heart of the Stadium District.”
Ample gambling, employment opportunities
Once open, the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia will be one of just two casinos in the city. The property encompasses 510,000 square feet and will have a luxury hotel, event center, and numerous dining and entertainment options. The casino will house over 2,100 slot machines and electronic table games plus 150 live-action table games, including a poker room with 29 tables. A FanDuel Sportsbook will open on-site for sports betting fans.
over 2,100 slot machines and electronic table games, 150 table games, and a poker room with 29 tables
According to estimates, the Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia will generate tax revenue of $100m over the first five years of opening, providing more than $2bn in economic stimulus to the region. The construction process, which began in 2018, created 5,000 jobs. About 2,000 permanent employment opportunities are on offer at the property.
Ensuring a safe opening
To ensure a safe opening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel-casino will follow its ‘Play It Safe Plan’. This extensive plan covers enhanced health and safety measures, such as regular cleaning, social distancing, lower capacity, and extensive signage.
As a result of rising virus cases in the city, new restrictions came into place on November 20. Entertainment facilities including the Rivers Casino Philadelphia and the South Philadelphia Race and Sportsbook had to close until at least January 1. They eventually got the green light to reopen on January 4 at 50% capacity. Indoor dining is not set to resume until January 15.
Cordish has other casino interests
As well as the new hotel-casino in Philadelphia, The Cordish Companies officially opened the new Live! Casino Pittsburgh on November 17, 2020. This was the group’s first casino in Pennsylvania, costing $150m to develop. The property contains 750 slot machines, about 30 table games, and a FanDuel Sportsbook. The operator also has its PlayLive! online casino active in the state.
The Cordish Companies also owns and operates the Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. The group says the Live! Casino brand is set for global expansion.