Philadelphia area casinos; who's been?

We were up at our local yesterday, Mohegan Pocono, and I told the Mrs before we went that if we won, the next time in Philly. Well, we won, decent enough to use the money to fund another casino visit, not AWESOME but OK. And we're going to be in Philly in 2 weeks.

So I checked the casino review online, and it seems that the Philadelphia casinos are pretty bad; Harrah's in Chester is almost universally reviewed as a dump, SugarHouse appears to have problems with crime, and no one seems to like Parx. Looking past the "I lost all my money" type reviews, there seems to be problems with management, rudeness and indifference.

But I don't really trust the online reviews, there aren't enough of them to separate the real ones from the ones written by, perhaps, AC casino employees. (Except the reviews for Harrah's in Chester are so universally bad that I think I'll believe those.) If these places are as bad as I'm reading, we'll just continue on down the road to AC for the day. Not that AC casinos don't sometimes have problems with indifference, but at least we know what to expect at certain places.

So, who's been to the Philadelphia area casinos, and what was your experience?

I've been to Parx, and frankly, I wouldn't bother with any of them. Parx gave me free play when I showed them my Harrah's card. I think it was $25. They might still be doing that promotion, in which case I would say stop in. It's pretty convenient to get to off the PA turnpike. Sugarhouse I wouldn't bother with; seems like a madhouse. Chester is crummy and in a crummy part of town. AC will give you much more bang for your buck.

Why not try the Bethlehem Sands? It's in an industrial plant, but it's very attractive on the inside.

I've been to both Chester and Parx. I like them both but then again I'm not too particular where I go to gamble. Parx is a little more of a professional looking venue and has some interesting features (including VDT's at some the blackjack tables) but I like Chester better even though it looks like a warehouse.

The dealers are still learning the games (especially craps) and make a lot of mistakes (as of my last visit to Chester in September) so you have to watch them. But overall I find the atmosphere pleasant and the attached garage makes it easy in easy out (although they also have valet).

I didn't eat at Parx but Chester has one of the worst buffet's I've ever had the mis-pleasure of trying - fortunately I was comped so it was no loss.

When leaving Chester I frequently go through the old town to get back to 95 and it isn't as bad as some would have you believe.

I would suggest a trip to either or both of them and then you can make up your own mind.

It's been over a year since I've been to Parx (moved out west), but I enjoyed going there. I do know that I've had more winning trips to Parx than to AC, when comparing say my last 10 trips to both (I play mostly slots). I know Parx finished an expansion last year or early this year which I haven't seen.

Food: they had a buffet, but then changed it, then put in a different place. No clue what is there now. Their fast food grill place on the first floor is decent.

Other: bathrooms are usually clean. it can get quite crowded. there is a seperate non-smoking area for slots (though this may have changed since I was there last).

I'd give Parx a chance, I would go there again if I still lived in jersey.

We drove the extra hour and played all day at The Borgata; we had a great time, lost a little bit but had big fun.

Chester is the only one of the three Pniladelphia area casinos that has poker.