from web site
For a complete entertainment experience combining high-stakes gaming with luxurious accommodations, head directly to Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos. https://beteumcasino.cloud stands out with its 18-hole championship golf course, a 16,000-square-foot spa, and four signature restaurants. Its gaming floor features over 1,700 slot machines and 70 table games, including a dedicated poker room. The indoor/outdoor pool complex, Get Wet Ultra Pool, transforms into a vibrant nightclub atmosphere after dark, offering a unique blend of relaxation and nightlife unavailable at other regional properties.
If proximity to a major metropolitan area is your priority, Parx in Bensalem, just outside Philadelphia, is the definitive choice. It boasts the largest collection of slot machines and electronic table games in the state, exceeding 3,000 units. The complex includes a 280,000 square-foot main gaming building, a horse racing track with simulcast facilities, and the 1,500-seat Xcite Center, which hosts A-list performers. Dining options are extensive, ranging from the high-end Parxgrill steakhouse to casual food court selections, catering to every palate and budget.
In the western part of the state, The Meadows Racetrack & Hotel offers a distinct experience centered around harness racing. Connected directly to the gaming floor, the property provides seamless access to over 2,500 slot machines and more than 65 table games. Its key differentiator is the year-round live harness racing schedule, which you can watch from a grandstand or upscale clubhouse. The attached hotel ensures that enthusiasts of both racing and gaming have a comfortable and convenient stay, complete with multiple dining venues and a bowling alley for alternative amusement.
For high-stakes poker and tournament play, head directly to Parx in Bensalem. Their 80-table poker room is the largest in Pennsylvania and operates 24/7, featuring regular World Poker Tour events. New players can take advantage of daily lessons from 12 PM to 6 PM. For a more intimate, upscale gaming experience, the Wind Creek Bethlehem offers a luxurious high-limit room with baccarat, blackjack, and roulette starting at $100 per hand. This establishment is located on the historic Bethlehem Steel site, providing a unique industrial-chic atmosphere.
Families seeking entertainment beyond the gaming floor should prioritize Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos. It features an 18-hole championship golf course, a 16,000-square-foot spa, and four distinct restaurants, including Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen. Another family-friendly option is Mohegan Pennsylvania at Pocono Downs, which combines a harness racing track with its entertainment complex, offering live races from February through November.
Key considerations when selecting a Pennsylvania gaming destination:
For those focused on slot machine variety, The Meadows Racetrack & Hotel offers over 2,500 machines, including a large selection of classic reel slots and the latest video progressives. Their loyalty program, mychoice, is tiered and offers tangible rewards like dining credits and free play faster than many competing programs.
Parx Poker Room in Bensalem stands out as the premier destination for serious poker players in Pennsylvania. It consistently provides the best action, tournament variety, and professional environment. With 48 tables, it is one of the largest poker rooms on the East Coast, ensuring a game is always available, especially for No-Limit Hold'em with stakes ranging from $1/$3 up to $10/$25 and higher upon request. Pot-Limit Omaha players will find regular $1/$2 and $5/$5 games running, a frequency unmatched by other state gaming establishments.
What distinguishes Parx is its tournament schedule. The venue hosts major series like the Parx Big Stax, which attracts a large field of players with substantial prize pools often reaching seven figures. Daily tournaments feature guaranteed prize pools, typically starting from $4,000 and increasing on weekends. The buy-ins for these dailies are accessible, usually in the $100-$200 range, with well-structured blind levels that provide significant playability.
The facility itself is designed for grinders. Chairs are comfortable for long sessions, and tableside food and beverage service is efficient. The room is separated from the main gaming floor, reducing noise and distractions. Players earn comps at a rate of approximately $2 per hour, redeemable for food at the property's numerous dining outlets. The professional dealing staff and floor management maintain game integrity and speed. For a consistent, high-volume poker experience with significant tournament opportunities, Parx is the definitive choice.
For families seeking the best pool experience, Mount Airy Lodge offers the most distinctive aquatic attraction with its four-season, indoor/outdoor pool complex. Guests can swim from the indoor section directly to the heated outdoor portion, complete with a bar and private cabanas. In contrast, Kalahari Pocono Mountains provides an expansive indoor waterpark, America's largest, featuring dozens of slides and a wave pool, making it the premier choice for water-centric vacations. Nemacolin presents a more refined experience with its multiple pools, including the year-round Paradise Pool and a dedicated kids' splash zone.
When evaluating arcade and gaming options, Kalahari's "Big Game Room" is unmatched in scale, offering over 200 games, from classic skeeball to modern virtual reality simulators. For a more focused and high-tech experience, Nemacolin's The Peak contains a smaller, curated selection of arcade machines alongside duckpin bowling. Live! Hotel Philadelphia positions its family entertainment within the Sports & Social complex, providing activities like bowling and foosball that cater to teens and older children, rather than a traditional arcade setup.
Regarding live entertainment and unique activities, Nemacolin stands out with its diverse offerings, including a wildlife habitat, miniature golf, and a climbing wall. Their schedule frequently features family-oriented shows and seasonal events. Pocono Manor's entertainment focuses on outdoor pursuits like horseback riding and archery, appealing to families who prefer active, nature-based recreation. While other establishments may offer occasional family-friendly concerts or events, Nemacolin and Pocono Manor integrate these activities more consistently into their guest experience.
For an unparalleled steak experience, Urban Farmer at Logan Square in Philadelphia stands out. Its menu is a detailed map of American beef, featuring selections like the 22 oz. bone-in New York Strip from Pennsylvania's own Stryker Farm alongside wagyu from different regions. The restaurant's signature is the "Beef Tasting," a flight of three distinct 6 oz. cuts, allowing for a direct comparison of flavor profiles. The raw bar, featuring East Coast oysters and colossal shrimp cocktail, provides a sharp counterpoint to the rich meats. Their extensive wine list, with a strong focus on California Cabernet Sauvignon and French Bordeaux, is curated to complement specific cuts of beef.
This establishment operates on a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers. The steak program is its centerpiece, offering grass-fed, grain-finished, and corn-finished options. A standout dish is the 18 oz. Bone-In Cowboy Ribeye. The ambiance combines rustic farmhouse elements with modern industrial design. Their weekend brunch, with items like the Farmhouse Benedict, draws a significant crowd beyond the gaming floor patrons.
Positioned overlooking the horse racing track, Final Cut offers a classic, upscale steakhouse atmosphere. They are known for their Prime, wet-aged steaks, with the 45-day dry-aged Prime Tomahawk being a signature item for sharing. The wine list has earned Wine Spectator recognition. Side dishes are executed with precision, particularly the Lobster Mac & Cheese and the creamed spinach with a parmesan crust. The decor features memorabilia from classic Hollywood films, creating a distinctive theme.
Presenting a high-energy take on American cuisine, this restaurant reflects its founder's bold style. While not a traditional steakhouse, it offers robust meat dishes like the award-winning Bacon Mac-N-Cheese Burger, which uses an 80/20 ground beef blend. The Trash Can Nachos, a layered tableside presentation, are a popular starter. The beverage program is heavy on craft beers and inventive cocktails, such as the Spicy Margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila.
A faithful recreation of the Baltimore original, The Prime Rib delivers a 1940s supper club vibe with live piano music and leopard-print carpeting. The menu's star is the signature slow-roasted prime rib, available in several cuts. They also feature a substantial seafood selection, including authentic Maryland-style crab cakes with minimal filler. The cocktail menu focuses on classics like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned, prepared with meticulous attention to detail.
While primarily a wine bar offering over 50 wines by the glass via a Cruvinet preservation system, Cielo provides a sophisticated menu of small plates and entrées ideal for fine dining. Patrons can pair a glass of Italian Barolo with dishes like the Pan-Seared Scallops or a charcuterie board featuring imported prosciutto and artisanal cheeses. The atmosphere is intimate and modern, designed for conversation and wine appreciation away from the high-energy gaming areas.