(Go: >> BACK << -|- >> HOME <<)

Jump to content

Rivers Casino Philadelphia: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 39°57′51″N 75°07′53″W / 39.9642°N 75.1314°W / 39.9642; -75.1314
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary
Tags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
 
(45 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}}
{{Infobox casino
{{Infobox casino
| casino = SugarHouse Casino
| casino = Rivers Casino Philadelphia
| logo =Rivers Casino Philadelphia Logo.jpeg
| logo =
| logo_size =
| logo_size =
| image =File:SugarHouse casino.jpg
| image = File:SugarHouse casino.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| image_caption = Sugarhouse Casino 2017
| image_caption = SugarHouse Casino in 2017
| location = [[Fishtown, Philadelphia|Fishtown]], [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
| pushpin_map = Philadelphia#Pennsylvania#USA
| pushpin_map = Philadelphia#Pennsylvania#USA
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = SugarHouse Casino in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
| pushpin_map_caption = Rivers Casino in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_label_position =
| coordinates = {{coord|39.9642|N|75.1314|W|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|39.9642|N|75.1314|W|display=inline,title}}
| address = 1080 N. Delaware Ave.<br/>Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| address = {{nowrap|1001 North Delaware Avenue}}<br />[[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]]<br />19125
| date_opened =September 23, 2010
| date_opened = September 23, 2010
| names_pre =
| names_pre = SugarHouse Casino (2010-2019)
| date_closed =
| date_closed =
| casino_type = Land-based<br>[[Riverfront]]
| casino_type = Land-based<br/>[[Riverfront]]
| theme = Contemporary<br/>Industrial
| theme = Contemporary<br/>Industrial
| owner = Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, LP
| owner = Rush Street Gaming
| architect = Cope Linder
| architect = Cope Linder
| license_holder =
| license_holder =
Line 27: Line 26:
| shows =
| shows =
| attractions = The Event Center
| attractions = The Event Center
| notable_restaurants =
| notable_restaurants = Jack's Bar + Grill
| renovations =
| renovations =
| website = http://www.sugarhousecasino.com/
| website = {{URL|https://www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia/}}
}}
}}


'''SugarHouse Casino''' is a [[casino]] entertainment development along the [[Delaware River]] in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]'s [[Fishtown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Fishtown]] neighborhood, one of five stand-alone casinos awarded a gaming license on December 20, 2006 by the [[Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board]]. SugarHouse's first phase opened on September 23, 2010.
'''Rivers Casino Philadelphia''', formerly '''SugarHouse Casino''', is a [[casino]] entertainment development along the [[Delaware River]] in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]'s [[Fishtown, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Fishtown]] neighborhood, one of five stand-alone casinos awarded a gaming license on December 20, 2006 by the [[Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board]].


==History==
==History==
SugarHouse Casino was awarded a gaming license on December 20, 2006 by the [[Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board]], along with four others.<ref>[http://www.pgcb.state.pa.us/?pr=48 PA GAMING CONTROL BOARD APPROVES 11 PERMANENT OPERATOR LICENSES]. Pgcb.state.pa.us (December 20, 2006). Retrieved on February 5, 2013.</ref> Many neighborhood residents sought to prevent the development of the casino due to quality of life issues. Residents of the [[Fishtown, Philadelphia|Fishtown]] neighborhood have taken the lead in the creation and leadership of the prominent anti-casino organizations, including Casino Free Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Neighborhood Alliance, and Neighbors Allied for the Best Riverfront. On the other side, Fishtown Action (FACT), the largest membership organization in the nearby community with over 600 members, has continuously supported the casino project. This support is largely in part because of a [[community benefits agreement]] along with the New Kensington [[Community Development Corporation|CDC]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Casino gets community benefits agreement|url=http://planphilly.com/articles/2008/11/20/4529|website=PlanPhilly {{!}} Casino gets community benefits agreement|accessdate=2 May 2016}}</ref>
SugarHouse Casino was awarded a gaming license on December 20, 2006 by the [[Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board]], along with four others.<ref>[http://www.pgcb.state.pa.us/?pr=48 PA GAMING CONTROL BOARD APPROVES 11 PERMANENT OPERATOR LICENSES]. Pgcb.state.pa.us (December 20, 2006). Retrieved on February 5, 2013.</ref> Many neighborhood residents sought to prevent the development of the casino due to quality of life issues. Residents of the [[Fishtown, Philadelphia|Fishtown]] neighborhood have taken the lead in the creation and leadership of the prominent anti-casino organizations, including Casino Free Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Neighborhood Alliance, and Neighbors Allied for the Best Riverfront. On the other side, Fishtown Action (FACT), the largest membership organization in the nearby community with over 600 members, has continuously supported the casino project. This support is largely in part because of a [[community benefits agreement]] along with the New Kensington [[Community Development Corporation|CDC]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Casino gets community benefits agreement|url=http://planphilly.com/articles/2008/11/20/4529|website=PlanPhilly {{!}} Casino gets community benefits agreement|accessdate=2 May 2016}}</ref>


The {{convert|1300000|sqft|m2|sing=on}} casino complex is located on the {{convert|22|acre|adj=on}} site of the former [[Jack Frost Sugar]] Refinery, hence the "SugarHouse" name. Phase I, estimated at $550 million, includes a casino floor with 3,000 [[slot machines]], and tables, along with a variety of retail and dining outlets. Future phases of the project include a 500-room hotel with health spa, a {{convert|30000|sqft|m2|sing=on}} event center, and expanded dining and retail facilities.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}
The {{convert|1300000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} casino complex is located on the {{convert|22|acre|adj=on}} site of the former [[Jack Frost Sugar]] Refinery, hence the "SugarHouse" name; and on a site where a British Revolutionary Era fort was once located. Phase I, estimated at $550 million, includes a casino floor with 3,000 [[slot machines]], and tables, along with a variety of retail and dining outlets. Future phases of the project include a 500-room hotel with health spa, a {{convert|30000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} event center, and expanded dining and retail facilities.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}


It was estimated that SugarHouse Casino would generate in excess of $1 billion in gaming taxes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia over the first five years of operation.<ref>[http://www.phila.gov/gamingadvisory/pdfs/PGATF_Final_Report.pdf Philadelphia Gaming Advisory Task Force Final Report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061216020801/http://www.phila.gov/gamingadvisory/pdfs/PGATF_Final_Report.pdf |date=December 16, 2006 }}</ref>
It was estimated that SugarHouse Casino would generate in excess of $1 billion in gaming taxes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia over the first five years of operation.<ref>[http://www.phila.gov/gamingadvisory/pdfs/PGATF_Final_Report.pdf Philadelphia Gaming Advisory Task Force Final Report] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061216020801/http://www.phila.gov/gamingadvisory/pdfs/PGATF_Final_Report.pdf |date=December 16, 2006 }}</ref>


On April 15, 2008, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court convened in Philadelphia to determine if the City of Philadelphia had the right to lease the land where the casino was to be located. The city's Mayor Nutter revoked the SugarHouse license in January,<ref>Marcia Gelbart (January 24, 2008) [https://web.archive.org/web/20080330011353/http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080124_Nutter_revokes_SugarHouse_license.html Nutter revokes SugarHouse license]. philly.com</ref> and the city's lawyers claimed the city never had the authority to issue the license in the first place. The owners of SugarHouse Casino argued that the city could not legally revoke a license to build on the riverbank.<ref>[http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20080415_Court_to_hear_SugarHouse_casino_land_dispute.html Court to hear SugarHouse casino land dispute]{{dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref> On August 22, 2008 the Supreme Court ruled that the permits were legal.<ref>Mary Clair Dale; AP (April 15, 2008). "[http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20080415/pa-court-weighs-philly-waterfront-casino-license.htm Pa. court weighs Philly waterfront casino license]{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}", ''International Business Times''.</ref>
On April 15, 2008, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court convened in Philadelphia to determine if the city had the right to lease the land where the casino was to be located. The city's Mayor Michael Nutter revoked the SugarHouse license in January,<ref>Marcia Gelbart (January 24, 2008) [https://web.archive.org/web/20080330011353/http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20080124_Nutter_revokes_SugarHouse_license.html Nutter revokes SugarHouse license]. philly.com</ref> and the city's lawyers claimed the city never had the authority to issue the license in the first place. The owners of SugarHouse Casino argued that the city could not legally revoke a license to build on the riverbank.<ref>[http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20080415_Court_to_hear_SugarHouse_casino_land_dispute.html Court to hear SugarHouse casino land dispute]</ref> On August 22, the Supreme Court ruled that the permits were legal.<ref>Mary Clair Dale; AP (April 15, 2008). "[http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20080415/pa-court-weighs-philly-waterfront-casino-license.htm Pa. court weighs Philly waterfront casino license]{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}", ''International Business Times''.</ref>


Groundbreaking on the project began on October 9, 2009,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://whyy.org/cms/news/regional-news/2009/10/09/sugarhouse-casino-begins-construction/19641 |title=Sugarhouse Casino begins construction|date=October 9, 2009|work=whyy.org }}</ref> The casino opened on September 23, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2010/09/24/sugarhouse-casino-opens-for-business/ |title=SugarHouse Casino Opens For Business |author=Mark Abrahams|date=September 24, 2010}}</ref> and the first phase opened on September 23, 2010.<ref>Brian Krassenstein (September 23, 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20100926123509/http://thenewsoftoday.com/sugarhouse-casino-opens-in-philadelphia-will-it-kill-atlantic-city/2440 SugarHouse Casino Opens in Philadelphia, Will it Kill Atlantic City?]. Thenewsoftoday.com. Retrieved on February 5, 2013.</ref>
Groundbreaking on the project began on October 9, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://whyy.org/cms/news/regional-news/2009/10/09/sugarhouse-casino-begins-construction/19641 |title=Sugarhouse Casino begins construction |date=October 9, 2009 |work=whyy.org |access-date=March 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108010251/http://whyy.org/cms/news/regional-news/2009/10/09/sugarhouse-casino-begins-construction/19641 |archive-date=January 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The casino opened on September 23, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2010/09/24/sugarhouse-casino-opens-for-business/ |title=SugarHouse Casino Opens For Business |author=Mark Abrahams|date=September 24, 2010}}</ref>


On July 22, 2014, SugarHouse casino broke ground on a project to expand the casino floor, add restaurants, add a parking garage, and bring more amenities to the riverfront. The expansion opened on May 9, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=SugarHouse Casino breaks ground on $164 million expansion|url=http://6abc.com/news/sugarhouse-casino-breaks-ground-on-$164m-expansion/208265/|website=6 ABC Action News|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Urban Engineers Breaks Ground with SugarHouse Casino|url=http://aiaphiladelphia.org/news/urban-engineers-breaks-ground-sugarhouse-casino|website=aiaphiladelpia.org|publisher=AIA Philadelphia|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160509006583/en/SugarHouse-Casino-Cuts-Ribbon-164-Million-Expansion|title=SugarHouse Casino Cuts Ribbon on $164 Million Expansion {{!}} Business Wire|website=www.businesswire.com|access-date=2016-09-23}}</ref>
On July 22, 2014, SugarHouse casino broke ground on a project to expand the casino floor, add restaurants, add a parking garage, and bring more amenities to the riverfront. The expansion opened on May 9, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=SugarHouse Casino breaks ground on $164 million expansion|url=http://6abc.com/news/sugarhouse-casino-breaks-ground-on-$164m-expansion/208265/|website=6 ABC Action News|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Urban Engineers Breaks Ground with SugarHouse Casino|url=http://aiaphiladelphia.org/news/urban-engineers-breaks-ground-sugarhouse-casino|website=aiaphiladelpia.org|publisher=AIA Philadelphia|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160509006583/en/SugarHouse-Casino-Cuts-Ribbon-164-Million-Expansion|title=SugarHouse Casino Cuts Ribbon on $164 Million Expansion {{!}} Business Wire|website=www.businesswire.com|access-date=2016-09-23}}</ref> SugarHouse began offering [[online gambling]] in [[New Jersey]] in 2016. In fall 2018, SugarHouse added online [[sports betting]] in New Jersey.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}


On December 13, 2018, [[sports betting]] began at SugarHouse Casino with a two-day test period; official sports betting began on December 15, 2018. SugarHouse Casino became the first casino in the Philadelphia area to offer sports betting.<ref>{{cite news|last=Maykuth|first=Andrew|title=Game on: SugarHouse becomes first Philly-area casino to offer sports betting|work=The Philadelphia Inquirer|date=December 13, 2018|url=http://www.philly.com/business/sugarhouse-sports-betting-philly-parx-new-jersey-20181213.html|accessdate=December 26, 2018}}</ref> The casino's [[sportsbook]], called SportsBook, offers betting on multiple sports including football, basketball, hockey, boxing, and soccer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sports Betting|publisher=SugarHouse Casino|url=https://www.sugarhousecasino.com/sportsbetting/|accessdate=January 20, 2019}}</ref>
On December 13, 2018, sports betting began at SugarHouse Casino with a two-day test period. Official sports betting began two days later. SugarHouse became the first casino in the Philadelphia area to offer sports betting.<ref>{{cite news|last=Maykuth|first=Andrew|title=Game on: SugarHouse becomes first Philly-area casino to offer sports betting|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=December 13, 2018|url=http://www.philly.com/business/sugarhouse-sports-betting-philly-parx-new-jersey-20181213.html|accessdate=December 26, 2018}}</ref> The casino initially operated out of a temporary [[sportsbook]].<ref name="play101519" />

On May 28, 2019, SugarHouse Casino became the first casino in Pennsylvania to offer online sports betting within the state.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Maykuth|first1=Andrew|last2=Barkowitz|first2=Ed|title=SugarHouse becomes first Pennsylvania casino to launch internet sports betting|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=May 28, 2019|url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/sugarhouse-casino-first-launch-internet-sports-betting-pennsylvania-20190528.html|accessdate=July 2, 2019}}</ref> The permanent $5 million, {{convert|5700|sqft|m2|adj=on}} BetRivers Sportsbook opened in October, consisting of a large HD video wall that can broadcast multiple games, six betting windows, and 22 self-serve betting kiosks.<ref name=play101519>{{cite web|last=Shelly|first=Kevin|title=New Permanent Sportsbook At SugarHouse Bears BetRivers Name|publisher=Play Pennsylvania|date=October 15, 2019|url=https://www.playpennsylvania.com/sugarhouse-casino-betrivers-sportsbook-philadelphia/|accessdate=October 30, 2019}}</ref> The casino offers betting on multiple sports including football, basketball, hockey, boxing, and soccer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sports Betting|publisher=Rivers Casino Philadelphia|url=https://www.riverscasinophiladelphia.com/sportsbetting/|accessdate=January 20, 2019}}</ref> Later in 2019, SugarHouse's parent company, Rush Street Gaming, announced that the casino would be rebranded as Rivers Casino Philadelphia, matching the name used by Rush Street's other properties, including [[Rivers Casino Pittsburgh]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Philly's SugarHouse Casino will soon have a new name|newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|last=Maykuth|first=Andrew|date=June 12, 2019|url=https://www.inquirer.com/business/rush-street-renaming-sugarhouse-casino-rivers-philadelphia-rebranding-20190612.html|accessdate=2019-06-12}}</ref> The new brand name became official on October 29.<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|title=SugarHouse Debuts New Rivers Casino Philadelphia Name|publisher=KYW-TV|location=Philadelphia, PA|date=October 29, 2019|url=https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2019/10/29/sugarhouse-debuts-new-rivers-casino-philadelphia-name/|accessdate=October 30, 2019}}</ref>

On July 17, 2019, SugarHouse conducted a soft launch for online gambling in Pennsylvania; the testing period lasted two days. Online gambling offered by SugarHouse consists of slot machines and table games, with online poker to launch at a later date.<ref>{{cite news|last=Maykuth|first=Andrew|title=Parx, SugarHouse, Hollywood casinos set to launch online gambling this week|work=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|date=July 15, 2019|url=https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-casinos-launch-online-internet-gaming-parx-sugarhouse-hollywood-20190715.html|accessdate=July 15, 2019}}</ref>


==Dining==
==Dining==
SugarHouse Casino offers the following dining options:<ref>{{cite web|title=Restaurants at SugarHouse Casino|publisher=SugarHouse Casino|url=https://www.sugarhousecasino.com/restaurants/|accessdate=January 16, 2019}}</ref>
Rivers Casino offers the following dining options:<ref>{{cite web|title=Philadelphia Restaurants & Bars |publisher=Rivers Casino|url=https://www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia/dining|accessdate=October 29, 2019}}</ref>
*Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House
*Fishtown Hops
*Tacconelli's Pizza
*[[Geno's Steaks]]
*[[Geno's Steaks]]
*[[Saxbys Coffee]]
*[[Rita's Italian Ice]]
*Coffee Spot
*Revolution Grill
*Mian
*Mian
*Jack's Bar & Grill
*Martorano's Prime


==Entertainment==
==Entertainment==
The Event Center at SugarHouse Casino is home to concerts and entertainment performances. Free entertainment is also available at Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House and Fishtown Hops.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Event Center|publisher=SugarHouse Casino|url=https://www.sugarhousecasino.com/entertainment/the-event-center/|accessdate=January 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Entertainment|publisher=SugarHouse Casino|url=https://www.sugarhousecasino.com/entertainment/|accessdate=January 16, 2019}}</ref>
The Event Center at Rivers Casino is home to concerts and entertainment performances.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Event Center|publisher=Rivers Casino|url=https://www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia/entertainment/the-event-center|accessdate=October 29, 2019}}</ref> Live music is also available at Jack's Bar & Grill.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jack's Live Music Calendar |publisher=Rivers Casino|url=https://www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia/entertainment/jacks-live-music-calendar|accessdate=October 29, 2019}}</ref>


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
The SugarHouse Casino is served by the [[SEPTA Route 15]] trolley and the [[SEPTA City Bus]] routes {{SEPTA bus link|25}} and {{SEPTA bus link|43}} at the [[Frankford and Delaware Avenue station]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Casino Service|publisher=SEPTA|url=http://www.septa.org/service/casino.html|accessdate=December 26, 2018}}</ref>
The Rivers Casino is served by the [[SEPTA Route 15]] trolley and the [[SEPTA City Bus]] routes {{SEPTA bus link|25}} and {{SEPTA bus link|43}} at the [[Frankford and Delaware Avenue station]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Casino Service|publisher=SEPTA|url=http://www.septa.org/service/casino.html|accessdate=December 26, 2018}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of casinos in Pennsylvania]]
* [[List of casinos in Pennsylvania]]
*[[List of casinos in the United States]]
*[[List of casino hotels]]
* [[Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia]]
* [[Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia]]
* [[Parx Casino and Racing]]
* [[Parx Casino and Racing]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia/}}
*[http://www.sugarhousecasino.com Official Website]
*[http://www.casinofreephila.org Casino Free Philadelphia]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090630021649/http://fishtownagainstsugarhouse.org/ Fishtowners Against SugarHouse Takeover]
*[http://nabrhood.org Neighbors Allied for the Best Riverfront]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090310024148/http://www.phillyalliance.org/ Philadelphia Neighborhood Alliance]

<!--spacing-->


{{Pennsylvania casinos|state=collapsed}}
{{Pennsylvania casinos|state=collapsed}}
{{Music venues of Pennsylvania}}
{{Music venues of Pennsylvania}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sugarhouse Casino}}
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Casinos in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Casinos in Pennsylvania]]

Latest revision as of 03:09, 26 April 2024

Rivers Casino Philadelphia
SugarHouse Casino in 2017
Rivers Casino Philadelphia is located in Philadelphia
Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Rivers Casino in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
Rivers Casino Philadelphia is located in Pennsylvania
Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Rivers Casino Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
Rivers Casino Philadelphia is located in the United States
Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Rivers Casino Philadelphia (the United States)
Address 1001 North Delaware Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19125
Opening dateSeptember 23, 2010
ThemeContemporary
Industrial
No. of roomsNone.
Total gaming space45,000 sq ft (4,200 m2)
Signature attractionsThe Event Center
Notable restaurantsJack's Bar + Grill
Casino typeLand-based
Riverfront
OwnerRush Street Gaming
ArchitectCope Linder
Previous namesSugarHouse Casino (2010-2019)
Coordinates39°57′51″N 75°07′53″W / 39.9642°N 75.1314°W / 39.9642; -75.1314
Websitewww.riverscasino.com/philadelphia/

Rivers Casino Philadelphia, formerly SugarHouse Casino, is a casino entertainment development along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Fishtown neighborhood, one of five stand-alone casinos awarded a gaming license on December 20, 2006 by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

History[edit]

SugarHouse Casino was awarded a gaming license on December 20, 2006 by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, along with four others.[1] Many neighborhood residents sought to prevent the development of the casino due to quality of life issues. Residents of the Fishtown neighborhood have taken the lead in the creation and leadership of the prominent anti-casino organizations, including Casino Free Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Neighborhood Alliance, and Neighbors Allied for the Best Riverfront. On the other side, Fishtown Action (FACT), the largest membership organization in the nearby community with over 600 members, has continuously supported the casino project. This support is largely in part because of a community benefits agreement along with the New Kensington CDC.[2]

The 1,300,000-square-foot (120,000 m2) casino complex is located on the 22-acre (8.9 ha) site of the former Jack Frost Sugar Refinery, hence the "SugarHouse" name; and on a site where a British Revolutionary Era fort was once located. Phase I, estimated at $550 million, includes a casino floor with 3,000 slot machines, and tables, along with a variety of retail and dining outlets. Future phases of the project include a 500-room hotel with health spa, a 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m2) event center, and expanded dining and retail facilities.[citation needed]

It was estimated that SugarHouse Casino would generate in excess of $1 billion in gaming taxes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia over the first five years of operation.[3]

On April 15, 2008, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court convened in Philadelphia to determine if the city had the right to lease the land where the casino was to be located. The city's Mayor Michael Nutter revoked the SugarHouse license in January,[4] and the city's lawyers claimed the city never had the authority to issue the license in the first place. The owners of SugarHouse Casino argued that the city could not legally revoke a license to build on the riverbank.[5] On August 22, the Supreme Court ruled that the permits were legal.[6]

Groundbreaking on the project began on October 9, 2009.[7] The casino opened on September 23, 2010.[8]

On July 22, 2014, SugarHouse casino broke ground on a project to expand the casino floor, add restaurants, add a parking garage, and bring more amenities to the riverfront. The expansion opened on May 9, 2016.[9][10][11] SugarHouse began offering online gambling in New Jersey in 2016. In fall 2018, SugarHouse added online sports betting in New Jersey.[citation needed]

On December 13, 2018, sports betting began at SugarHouse Casino with a two-day test period. Official sports betting began two days later. SugarHouse became the first casino in the Philadelphia area to offer sports betting.[12] The casino initially operated out of a temporary sportsbook.[13]

On May 28, 2019, SugarHouse Casino became the first casino in Pennsylvania to offer online sports betting within the state.[14] The permanent $5 million, 5,700-square-foot (530 m2) BetRivers Sportsbook opened in October, consisting of a large HD video wall that can broadcast multiple games, six betting windows, and 22 self-serve betting kiosks.[13] The casino offers betting on multiple sports including football, basketball, hockey, boxing, and soccer.[15] Later in 2019, SugarHouse's parent company, Rush Street Gaming, announced that the casino would be rebranded as Rivers Casino Philadelphia, matching the name used by Rush Street's other properties, including Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.[16] The new brand name became official on October 29.[17]

On July 17, 2019, SugarHouse conducted a soft launch for online gambling in Pennsylvania; the testing period lasted two days. Online gambling offered by SugarHouse consists of slot machines and table games, with online poker to launch at a later date.[18]

Dining[edit]

Rivers Casino offers the following dining options:[19]

Entertainment[edit]

The Event Center at Rivers Casino is home to concerts and entertainment performances.[20] Live music is also available at Jack's Bar & Grill.[21]

Transportation[edit]

The Rivers Casino is served by the SEPTA Route 15 trolley and the SEPTA City Bus routes 25 and 43 at the Frankford and Delaware Avenue station.[22]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ PA GAMING CONTROL BOARD APPROVES 11 PERMANENT OPERATOR LICENSES. Pgcb.state.pa.us (December 20, 2006). Retrieved on February 5, 2013.
  2. ^ "Casino gets community benefits agreement". PlanPhilly | Casino gets community benefits agreement. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  3. ^ Philadelphia Gaming Advisory Task Force Final Report Archived December 16, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ Marcia Gelbart (January 24, 2008) Nutter revokes SugarHouse license. philly.com
  5. ^ Court to hear SugarHouse casino land dispute
  6. ^ Mary Clair Dale; AP (April 15, 2008). "Pa. court weighs Philly waterfront casino license[permanent dead link]", International Business Times.
  7. ^ "Sugarhouse Casino begins construction". whyy.org. October 9, 2009. Archived from the original on January 8, 2010. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
  8. ^ Mark Abrahams (September 24, 2010). "SugarHouse Casino Opens For Business".
  9. ^ "SugarHouse Casino breaks ground on $164 million expansion". 6 ABC Action News. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  10. ^ "Urban Engineers Breaks Ground with SugarHouse Casino". aiaphiladelpia.org. AIA Philadelphia. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
  11. ^ "SugarHouse Casino Cuts Ribbon on $164 Million Expansion | Business Wire". www.businesswire.com. Retrieved September 23, 2016.
  12. ^ Maykuth, Andrew (December 13, 2018). "Game on: SugarHouse becomes first Philly-area casino to offer sports betting". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved December 26, 2018.
  13. ^ a b Shelly, Kevin (October 15, 2019). "New Permanent Sportsbook At SugarHouse Bears BetRivers Name". Play Pennsylvania. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  14. ^ Maykuth, Andrew; Barkowitz, Ed (May 28, 2019). "SugarHouse becomes first Pennsylvania casino to launch internet sports betting". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  15. ^ "Sports Betting". Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Retrieved January 20, 2019.
  16. ^ Maykuth, Andrew (June 12, 2019). "Philly's SugarHouse Casino will soon have a new name". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  17. ^ Staff (October 29, 2019). "SugarHouse Debuts New Rivers Casino Philadelphia Name". Philadelphia, PA: KYW-TV. Retrieved October 30, 2019.
  18. ^ Maykuth, Andrew (July 15, 2019). "Parx, SugarHouse, Hollywood casinos set to launch online gambling this week". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  19. ^ "Philadelphia Restaurants & Bars". Rivers Casino. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  20. ^ "The Event Center". Rivers Casino. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  21. ^ "Jack's Live Music Calendar". Rivers Casino. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  22. ^ "Casino Service". SEPTA. Retrieved December 26, 2018.

External links[edit]