Race Tracks > Pennsylvania Race Tracks > Harrah's Chester
Harrah's Chester
Harrah's Chester - Casino and Racetrack is a racino located on Chester, Pennsylvania's waterfront. The track's inaugural harness racing season opened on September 10, 2006. The casino consists of 2,900 slot machines, 100,000 square feet of gaming space, and a 14,000 square foot event center. The racetrack itself consists of a limestone-based surface and is .625 miles (1.006 km) in circumference. A specially-constructed bridge enables the midpoint of races, contested at 1 mile (1.6 km), to take place over the Delaware River. Often, freight ships will pass along the backstretch, giving Harrah's an ever-changing backdrop during live racing. Because of the proximity to the Delaware River, Harrah's is a ship-in facility, meaning that no horses are stabled on-track. There is, however, a spacious paddock capable of holding 131 horses on race day. Among the leading drivers in the inaugural 45-day season at Harrah's were Catello Manzi, Tony Morgan, and George Napolitano. In 2007, numerous stakes races that were held at the now-defunct Liberty Bell Park Racetrack and Brandywine Raceway will be revived at Harrah's Chester. Wagering is available on live horse races from July through December or via simulcast from other racetracks on a year-round basis.
On September 27, 2006, Harrah's Chester was issued a slots license by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The racino opened on January 22, 2007, one day before its announced opening day. Access to the area will be from a new off ramp from Interstate 95. The casino's parking garage can hold 2,600 cars.
Gaming Overview
Harrah's Chester has more than 2,900 slot machines, 100,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, and live racing. Live racing begins on April 23 to November 23 on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and select Fridays. The track is 5/8 of a mile long. The players club is Total Rewards.
