Parx’ application seeks to move its off-track betting site at the South Philadelphia Turf Club at 700 Packer Ave. A small string band played songs on the outskirts of the parking lot, and fliers were handed out to a growing group of people in opposition to the gambling site. Homemade signs at the rally said, “Gambling Destroys Families”, “Crab Fries – Yes, Gambling – No” and “Greedy Petey”. We don’t want gamblers 50 feet from these houses right here.” We have to draw the line and say enough is enough. “They’re going to look in cars and break in. “When they leave here, there will be nothing in their pockets,” said Packer Park Civic Association board member Rob Rabena.

South Philly residents believe that designating an area and adding kiosks in the restaurant for sports betting will incentivize gamblers to frequent the establishment, gobble up scarce parking and cause crime in their area. He has also argued he needs to compete with the new Live!Ĭasino and Hotel Philadelphia, which recently opened a few blocks away on the other side of Broad Street. This is our neighborhood, and there is no neighborhood in this city that fights harder for ourselves.”Ĭiarrocchi, the chairman and CEO of Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House and Sports Bar, which includes 16 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, has argued previously that access to sports betting is easier than it has ever been and customers can place bets from just about anywhere using their phones. They’re a great organization but it’s all about money to them. “The legal process alone is probably not going to stop Pete (Ciarrocchi).

“I wanted people to know what was going on,” said Barbara Capozzi, president of the Packer Park Neighborhood Association.

Chickie and petes parx casino