Parx Casino opens today the 1st phase of major expansion

The first phase of the expansion adds new slot machines and live table games, a lounge, gift shop and new restrooms. More than 200 slot machines would be added, bringing the casino's total to more than 3,500, and will add more than 100 live table games for a total of more than 200.

The entire approved expansion plan will increase the property's size to 176,592 square feet of gaming floor, up from about 160,000.

The centerpiece of Parx' expansion — which will take place during the second phase — will be the luxury Xlounge that will have drink menu featuring cocktails and craft beer, a "high-end menu, luxury design finishes and additional gaming." It will be located in a newly created area on the casino floor.

Parx will also introduce 700 new slot games along with its new hybrid table-slot machine, ShaqBLACKJack, for which the casino partnered former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal on.

Future phases of the master expansion plan will continue into 2016 with more amenities, the company said.

The expansion comes at a time when casinos across the state and country continue to bolster their offerings and invest in major renovations in hopes of upping visitation and interest as more jurisdictions continue to add casinos, eating away at the gambling industry pie.

SugarHouse Casino is undergoing its own $164 million renovation and expansion that will increase its footprint from 108,000 square feet to about 260,000 square feet. It recently announced a new restaurant and exclusive caterer.