Harrah’s Philly officially dives into the sports wagering pool

Legal sports betting in the Philadelphia region continued to expand Thursday as Harrah's Philadelphia officially christened its new facility.

Called The Book, the betting parlor, which sits at the far northern end of the casino, covers some 4,500 square feet. Its amenities include 45 large-screen TVs; six live-betting stations; 19 comfortable lounge chairs; 11 high-top tables; and food and beverage service. Planned additions include a selection of games patrons can play when not watching the action.

As has become custom, the sports book was opened--after a two-day test period-- with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by various casino officials and local politicians. The special guest was beloved ex-Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. Westbrook stood alongside Harrah’s Philadelphia General Manager Chris Albrect as the latter wielded a pair of large, ceremonial scissors and cut the purple ribbon to officially signal The Book's grand opening.

Immediately afterward, Westbrook placed the first “official” bet, putting $100 on his alma mater, Villanova, to capture this year’s NCAA men’s basketball championship.

The room joins Parx (and its Turf Club affiliate in South Philly) and Sugarhouse as one of the four legal sports-betting outposts in the city and nearby districts.

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.