Harrah’s Philadelphia cuts the ribbon on new poker room in a bid to fend off competition and stop bleeding gaming revenues
Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack debuted on Friday its new World Series of Poker-branded poker room as part of the property’s efforts to reverse a long-time loss of customers to in- and out-of-state competitors.
The renovated and upgraded poker room opened its doors for avid players back in February. However, casino officials said back then that its grand opening would be celebrated in a befitting manner.
Harrah’s Philadelphia Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Albrecht was among the property officials who cut the ribbon on the amenity Friday afternoon. Mr. Albrecht said that they were really “excited to now have a permanent home for [their] poker team.”
The poker room had previously been located on the floor below the main gaming floor. That floor is where race track bets are accepted. The new location of the poker amenity occupies a larger floor area. Mr. Albrecht described the improved and relocated amenity as “all self-contained poker space.”
The WSOP-branded poker room features 27 tables. Players can play at no-limit tables but those willing to place maximum or minimum bets will, too, be treated to their favorite type of poker action.
At present, the poker room is available to members of the public, but property officials said that it may host poker tournaments in future. An additional 28th table may be placed in the room for the final round of poker tournaments.
New Amenities
Harrah’s Philadelphia has embarked on a mission to reinvent the back portion of its casino facility in a bid to lure customers deeper into the property and make them stay longer. The upgraded poker room is just the latest of several amenities the casino and race track has added in recent months.
Early this year, Harrah’s Philadelphia launched its sportsbook, trying to make the best of the gambling expansion package approved by state lawmakers back in the fall of 2017. The gambling overhaul included sports betting, among multiple other activities. Last May’s SCOTUS ruling that struck down a federal ban on sports gambling enabled Pennsylvania, and the rest of the US, to go live with betting services.
Harrah’s Philadelphia originally opened doors as a slots-only facility 12 years ago. With almost no competition, the property was the state’s top earner among all slots-only casinos. Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has evolved immensely over the years, and it has been getting harder and harder for Harrah’s Philadelphia to fend off competition.
The casino has seen a stable decline in revenues in recent years, which has prompted the reinvention of its gambling floor. The new sportsbook and the poker room as well as a recently opened Topgolf facility are all aiming to channel greater walk-through traffic.
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