As about 25 gaming opponents rallied on Delaware Avenue in front of the casino parking lot, about 80 eager gamblers stepped off SEPTA's Route 43 bus and strode toward the casino.
Zachary Hershman, a member of Casino-Free Philadelphia, stood with other protesters.
"Today, we're launching our campaign to reclaim the riverfront, which is a campaign that will culminate in the bankruptcy of SugarHouse," Hershman said.
He said the group would start a town watch in the area to help make sure people did not leave children alone in cars.
Hershman said his group would also bring organizations to the neighborhood to provide information on addiction.
"We're going to document abuses. We're not going to be confrontational," he said. "We're not here to confront patrons."
The protesters also displayed murals painted by children depicting the riverfront without the casino.
Gambling opponent Chelsea Thompson, 36, a mother of two who lives near the casino, came with her 6-month-old son in a stroller.
"It's his first protest," Thompson said. "I'm here to protect the neighborhood for the children."
Despite the protests, gamblers continued to line up outside the casino.
Some patrons complained that there were not enough parking spaces. There are 500 valet spaces and 1,500 self-parking spaces. Both kinds are free.
Joddie Isham of Norristown said she arrived around 2 p.m., about a half-hour after the casino opened, and the self-parking spaces were filled. The valet service did not begin until about 3 p.m., officials said.
"Why didn't they have parking figured out before they opened?" Isham asked. "They knew everyone was going to be here."
