Pennsylvania State Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment on safety in the casino. Township police also reported 47 incidents involving weapons possession in 2021, as compared with just 21 incidents in 2020. Only nine were reported in the prior year prior. In 2021, Bensalem police reported 17 assaults and robberies with a firearm.

Bensalem police also are reporting more incidents involving guns. Rising gun violence in Philadelphia has been well documented, but gun crimes have not been limited to the city. 'Following the lead of the Philadelphia casinos and other large attractions in the area, we have put in metal detectors that are calibrated to sense firearms or other metal weapons but not bother keys or phones.' 'This is for the safety and security of our guests and employees,' said Carrie Nork Minelli, spokesperson for the casino. Detectors were installed at Rivers Philadelphia, Rivers Pittsburgh, and Live! Philadelphia, said Doug Harbach, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Parx is now the fourth casino in the state to screen gamblers for guns, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

For many years, Parx has posted signs asking customers not to enter the property with guns, McVey said. 'This is a proactive measure that can prevent an incident in the casino involving a firearm.'Īs with any business, Parx can ask patrons with firearms to leave the property. 'We very much support them in this,' said McVey. Several months ago, Parx owners approached the Bensalem Police Department about plans to install the machines, said William McVey, public safety director for the township. Parx Casino is now screening gamblers for guns and could ask visitors carrying firearms to exit the state's busiest gaming hall.Īt all three entrances, casino visitors are now funneled between slim silver columns and can be stopped by Parx security to search suspicious bags.

Parx casino in pennsylvania