If you can't wait for Pennsylvania's new mini-casino, you'll probably be happy about this news out of Happy Valley.
Plans are taking shape for the long-awaited Happy Valley Casino in the State College area, with regulatory progress moving along smoothly.
Recent filings reveal how the new mini-casino will introduce its table games and outline the necessary steps for regulatory approval.
This news comes on the heels of the announcement that Pennsylvania casinos are on the verge of updating the state's slot machine requirements.
Happy Valley Casino Table Game Lineup
SC Gaming, the company behind Happy Valley Casino, is leading the project, with construction managed by Poole Anderson Construction, a local firm based right in State College. They're turning a former Macy's department store into a casino.
When it opens, there will be a total of 30 table games:
- 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
The facility will also offer up to 750 slot machines and dining options when it opens in April 2026. Initially, it will start with 600 slots, with plans to add more later.
Regulatory Status and Conditions of the Casino
The prosecution division of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has informed regulators that it “did not object” to certifying Happy Valley Casino, provided that 12 regulatory conditions are met.
These conditions are typical for new casinos and include measures such as ensuring preparedness, implementing plans for responsible gaming, and meeting security requirements. Public records indicate that PGCB has already granted conditional approval for key actions, demonstrating progress on the regulatory front.
While there have been concerns about the poor condition of the parking lot around the building, CEO and manager of Happy Valley Casino, Eric Pearson, assured everyone that it would be repaved. Additionally, some people worry that its proximity to the Penn State campus might unintentionally attract college students, but Pearson says the casino's target audience is not the college students, but their parents.
Happy Valley is closely associated with Penn State University and includes State College along with its five townships, such as College Township and Mount Nittany. It is part of the larger Nittany Valley, bordered by the Tussey and Bald Eagle mountains.
Located at the former Macy’s in the Nittany Mall, the casino's development went through some legal and ownership changes in 2024–2025. Saratoga Casino Holdings now has majority ownership after being approved, while Bally’s has ended its partnership on the project.
Happy Valley Casino's Community and Economic Impact
Costing $120 million, this project is expected to revitalize the Nittany Mall and boost the local economy. It's expected to create 350–400 permanent jobs and generate about $1.6 million in yearly tax revenue for College Township.
Local officials have ordered an impact study (due in fall 2025) to evaluate the economic, social, and demographic effects.
Job Creation and Local Employment
The casino’s construction phase is estimated to generate about 520 full-time equivalent jobs, including approximately 350 direct construction roles and 170 additional jobs through indirect and induced economic activity.
Once open, the casino will provide 350–400 permanent jobs, plus additional part-time and seasonal employment opportunities, strengthening the local job market.
Tax Revenue and Public Funding
College Township is expected to earn over $1.6 million annually in new revenue from the casino, including slot and table host revenues, sportsbook contributions, and local taxes.
Projections show that annual township revenue may grow to more than $2 million as the casino stabilizes, representing a 16–21% increase in the municipality’s General Fund budget.
The broader county and state will also benefit from increased tax collections related to gaming operations and spending by visitors and employees.
Tourism, Retail, and Ancillary Benefits
The casino is expected to rejuvenate the Nittany Mall, attracting more visitors, especially during Penn State football weekends and event seasons.
New casino-driven tourism should boost spending at local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments, with indirect benefits for service providers and area suppliers.
Local authorities commissioned a dedicated impact study (results due in fall 2025) to further gauge effects on tourism, demographic trends, and community services.
Community and Municipal Services
Fiscal impact analyses indicate that increased revenue will help offset any added demand for local services, such as policing, infrastructure, and traffic management.
Responsible gaming provisions, increased police presence, and community engagement are part of the regulatory conditions tied to the casino’s approval.
Happy Valley Casino is expected to provide a strong economic boost for State College and College Township through hundreds of new jobs, rising tax receipts, and elevated tourism activity—with a full municipal impact study scheduled for release later in 2025 to refine and potentially validate these projections.
When Will The Happy Valley Casino Be Finished?
Construction is ongoing, with a target opening date of April 2026. Once completed, the Happy Valley Casino will offer:
- 30 live dealer table games (as detailed above)
- Up to 750 slot machines
- A full-service sports-themed restaurant/bar and entertainment stage
- A quick-service food court
- 24-hour operations in a 94,000-square-foot space
In short, the Happy Valley Casino at State College is on track. With its table games lineup confirmed, regulatory steps identified, and community impacts being reviewed, it looks like supporters have something to smile about in Happy Valley.
