Parx Casino Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, is preparing a major addition to its gaming floor, with live dealer table games moving through the testing and preview phase before becoming fully operational. The introduction of traditional tables marks a new chapter for the property, which has operated without such offerings since opening in 2023.
Although the three sets of provided information outline slightly different timelines, each reflects preparations for the rollout, regulatory testing by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, community engagement, and a multi-day opening period.
Regulatory Testing and Community Preview Events
According to one set of provided information, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board scheduled test nights for Parx Shippensburg on Jan. 27 and Jan. 28, with a soft opening on Jan. 30 and a Grand Opening Weekend beginning Friday, Feb. 6. Another set of information specifies that the PGCB scheduled test days on January 27 and January 28, 2026, followed by a soft opening on January 30, 2026, and a Grand Opening Weekend on February 6, 2026. A third reference notes that the PGCB will hold test days on Tuesday and Wednesday and that the soft opening of the table games will take place on Friday, pending final approval.
During the preview days, local officials, community partners, and representatives from the gaming industry will be welcomed to observe the operation. The ceremonial first wager is scheduled for noon on Jan. 27, when Shippensburg Mayor Shaun Rogers will place an honorary blackjack bet to officially mark the debut of live dealer gaming.
Once launched, the redesigned gaming area will feature 12 tables with 72 seats. The selection of games includes Blackjack, Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Three Card Poker. Each table will be staffed by dealers, creating an environment intended to increase direct player engagement compared to the hybrid layout previously in use.
Since opening in 2023, the property has featured 48 electronic table game terminals positioned centrally on the floor, with live dealers handling real cards and spinning a roulette wheel. The transition to traditional equipment allows the casino to expand its live gaming offerings beyond the electronic setup.
Property representatives have highlighted that live table games are expected to foster a more social and interactive style of play. The casino also continues to operate as a fully smoke-free venue.
Community Partnerships and Economic Context
Throughout the PGCB test periods, table games revenue generated between noon and 8 p.m. was designated to support Branch Creek Place of Shippensburg, which serves as a senior center and Meals on Wheels provider. Branch Creek Place operates as a subsidiary of Menno Haven, a Chambersburg-based senior living organization.
Casino management has framed the addition of traditional tables as both an entertainment and economic development initiative for the surrounding region. According to PennLive, John Marshall, general manager of Parx Casino Shippensburg, stated: “This expansion not only adds more excitement for our guests, but it also strengthens our support for the local economy,” adding, “We’re creating new jobs, generating additional revenue for the Commonwealth, and continuing to invest in the long-term success of Shippensburg and Cumberland County.”
The property enters its third year of operation as the rollout advances through its regulatory and preview phases. Parx Casino Shippensburg is located off Interstate 81 and spans 73,000 square feet, with approximately 500 slot machines, dining venues, entertainment space, sports betting kiosks, and other amenities.
Final approval from the PGCB following the testing period will determine when the live tables become fully operational as a permanent part of the casino’s offerings. The official celebrations are scheduled through a Grand Opening Weekend featuring promotional activities throughout the property.
