Nestled in the heart of State College, Pennsylvania, the Happy Valley Casino has officially opened, bringing a new wave of entertainment to the Nittany Mall in College Township.
Occupying the space that used to be a Macy's department store, the casino opened its doors on Monday following a series of successful test days supported by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
Spread across 94,000 square feet, Happy Valley Casino offers not only entertainment but also a smoke-free environment for its guests.
This is the 18th casino that is now operating in Pennsylvania, and the first in Centre County, Happy Valley Casino is set to become a key attraction near Penn State University, providing not just gaming excitement but also a significant boost to the local economy.
A Milestone for Centre County
Happy Valley Casino marks a significant development for the region, placing Centre County on the map of Pennsylvania's burgeoning gaming industry.
This Category 4 mini-casino is home to approximately 600 slot machines, with potential expansion to 750, alongside 30 live table games. Visitors can enjoy classic games like blackjack and roulette while dining at a full-service restaurant and grabbing snacks at the Lucky Break Cafe.
The journey to this grand opening dates back to Pennsylvania’s 2017 Gaming Expansion Act, which paved the way for new casino licenses. Penn State alumnus Ira Lubert successfully bid $10 million to secure the license in 2020, partnering initially with Bally’s. Despite facing legal challenges, including a Supreme Court case, the project gained PGCB approval in 2023, with construction starting soon after.
One crucial phase in the casino’s opening was the PGCB-prescribed test days conducted on April 24 and 25. These allowed regulators to ensure the casino operated smoothly and complied with all regulatory standards. The test days also welcomed public participation, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The favorable results of these tests assured Happy Valley Casino of its readiness to welcome its first regular patrons, with the casino officially opening just days later.
Happy Valley Casino Joins Pennsylvania’s Mini-Casino Family
With the opening of Happy Valley Casino, Pennsylvania now has five mini-casinos, bringing the total to about 17 to 18 land-based casinos, including racinos, stand-alone casinos, and resort casinos.
Here's a Look at Pennsylvania's Other Mini-Casinos:
Live! Casino Pittsburgh:
- Location: Inside Westmoreland Mall, near Greensburg in Westmoreland County.
- Opened: November 2020.
- What It Offers: Up to 750 slot machines and table games, sports betting, live music, quick food options, and more. Run by the Cordish Companies.
- Notes: Focuses on serving the Pittsburgh area.
Hollywood Casino Morgantown:
- Location: In Morgantown, Berks County.
- Opened: Between 2021 and 2022.
- What It Offers: Slots and table games, part of the Hollywood Casino brand by Penn National Gaming.
- Notes: Located near major highways, easily accessible for people in the Reading and Philadelphia areas.
Hollywood Casino York:
- Location: In the Galleria Mall, York County.
- Opened: Around 2021 to 2022.
- What It Offers: A mix of slots and table games, plus dining options. Part of the Penn National brand.
- Notes: Seen positive or stable effects on the local community, with some crime rates going down.
Parx Casino Shippensburg:
- Location: Shippensburg in Cumberland County.
- Opened: Recently, before 2026.
- What It Offers: Over 500 slot machines, 48 electronic table games with live dealer options, restaurants, and a sports bar. The space is about 73,000 square feet.
- Notes: Run by Parx Casino. Started strong with electronic games and may add more live options.
How Is Happy Valley Casino Like Other Pennsylvania Mini-Casinos?
As different as each of these venues is, they also have a lot in common, including:
- They are set up in former retail or mall spaces.
- Slots are the main attraction, with table games available as well.
- They offer simple dining and drinking options rather than extensive hotel or entertainment facilities.
- Each underwent a state approval process involving testing by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
- Local communities benefit from a share of the gaming revenue—usually 2% from slots and 1% from table games.
As Happy Valley Casino settles into its new home, it is poised to be a cornerstone of entertainment and economic activity in the State College area. Under the vigilant eye of the PGCB, it adds a thrilling element to nightlife while maintaining the integrity essential to Pennsylvania’s regulated gaming industry.
Just remember, if you do decide to visit, always exhibit responsible gambling habits, like setting limits, and never gambling more than you can afford.
