The smoke has cleared, and we now know when Pennsylvania's newest casino will swing open its doors.
Happy Valley Casino will open in April 2026 at Nittany Mall, and it will be smoke-free.
The new casino will take over the space that used to be Macy's. This change will help bring new life to the Nittany Mall, which has had many empty stores in recent years. The casino is expected to make the area lively again and will help the local economy and community members.
What sets Happy Valley Casino apart from many others is its smoke-free policy. This means visitors can enjoy playing games in clean air. More places like this are choosing to go smoke-free, making it a popular option.
Pennsylvania also took a big step forward recently when it comes to online gaming. The Keystone State became the sixth to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
Happy Valley Casino Gets Unanimous Approval
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has given its unanimous approval for Happy Valley Casino to begin operation with 600 slot machines.
The casino plans to eventually expand to the full 750 slots allowable under its license. In addition to slot machines, the casino will feature 30 table games, including popular options such as blackjack and poker.
Here's the complete lineup:
- 16 blackjack tables
- 3 roulette tables
- 2 tables each for:
- Craps
- Mini Baccarat
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- 1 table each for:
- Spanish 21
- Three Card Poker
- Face Up Pai Gow Poker
- Mississippi Stud
- Pai Gow Poker
There is already approval for up to 40 table games, should the demand arise.
The New Pennsylvania Casino is Part of an Entertainment Complex
The casino will have two restaurants and a bar, offering quick and tasty food and drinks. This means players can grab a bite to eat without leaving the gaming floor for too long.
When the casino opens, it is expected to create about 300 jobs, providing work for people living in College Township and nearby areas. The casino's tax revenue will help fund local community projects and services.
SC Gaming, led by Penn State graduate Ira Lubert, is overseeing the project.
After some initial challenges, the project received all the needed approvals and is moving forward smoothly. Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC is also helping out after Bally's decided not to be involved.
This news comes shortly after it was announced that Pennsylvania casinos are on the verge of updating the Keystone State's slot machine requirements.
Happy Valley Casino Expected to Transform the Area
Construction on the Happy Valley Casino began early in 2025 and is going well, with everything on track to open by the end of March 2026. Local leaders and project managers are hopeful that the casino will open on time and be a big success.
The opening of Happy Valley Casino is a big moment for bringing new life to the Nittany Mall and College Township area. The grand opening is expected to draw a lot of attention and people, helping boost the local economy.
As April gets closer, excitement will continue to build. This smoke-free venue will offer fun entertainment and dining options while playing an important part in boosting the local economy.
