During June’s last weekend, I took a visit to my alma mater, Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania, to honor Dr. Jerry Zurek, who was retiring after 50 years and I decided to do an impromptu work visit and stay at Valley Forge Casino and Resort in King of Prussia. It's located right off Exit 326 on the PA Turnpike and 34 minutes from Philadelphia.
Valley Forge Casino, operated by Las Vegas-based Boyd Gaming (acquired in September 2018). is the most Eastern facility of the company’s 28 properties. It's the smallest of the casinos in Pennsylvania, but it is one of the centerpieces of growth in the King of Prussia/Upper Merion community over the past 11 years.
King of Prussia Renaissance
The area has undergone a $3-billion investment in development in retail, multifamily and industrial sectors with more to come.
In March 2019, FanDuel Sportsbook was the first to open in Pennsylvania and immediately became a go-to spot for viewing and sports betting in PA.
CHECK OUT: Key Takeaways from Pennsylvania's May Sports Betting Report
The 1,800-square foot location is steps from the main entrance inside the casino and offers seven teller windows, more than 10 self-service kiosks, two sports tickers for the latest scores and info and seating for over 30 customers to enjoy the game.
The sportsbook is also perfectly located just to the outside of the casino, where there is a 40,000 square foot gaming floor with a huge bar right in the middle of the casino, a perfect place to meet friends, have a drink and check out the vibe.
Becoming A Destination
When I arrived on a Friday night, the Phillies were playing the Mets on TV and lost a heartbreaker, but the casino floor was packed with a DJ playing music and the energy in the casino was energetic and passionate, especially with all that we had gone through the past 18 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Safety protocols were in place throughout, but the vibe on the property was that we had finally come out of this and to see smiles on bettors and guests was a much-needed and welcomed sight.
For two nights, I stayed in one of the 442 rooms and suites in the main casino hotel (two on the property) and my suite offered a huge bedroom area, living space with two TVs, a huge walk-in shower and all the amenities one needs to recoup and re-energize for another day/night of gambling or entertainment.
Three micro restaurants are just outside the casino floor – AsianNoodle, Italian Market and Dunkin Donuts. The coffee at D&D hit the spot late Saturday night and the other two were crowded as well with a nice flow.
Revolution Chop House is located on the second floor for a more sophisticated dining experience.
Based on my two-day visit, guests and bettors are coming back, which is a good sign not only for Valley Forge, but for other casinos and sportsbooks within the area such as Parx Casino in Bensalem, Harrah’s in Chester and new the Live! Casino and Sportsbook (also FanDuel) in South Philadelphia.
Valley Forge Casino has taken the time to listen to its visitors and it shows in the individual experience when you get there. As the region gets more populated with fellow Pennsylvanians and out-of-staters, Valley Forge will continue to be a go-to destination with something to do for everyone.
