Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC has solidified its presence in the gaming industry with the recent acquisition of a Pennsylvania gaming license.
Granted by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), this license marks the company's expansion into a fourth state, adding to its existing operations in New York, Mississippi, and Colorado.
The new license is a significant development for the highly anticipated Happy Valley Casino project at the Nittany Mall in State College.
Saratoga Casino Holdings will assume the role of majority owner and will partner with SC Gaming in both development and management capacities. Originally, the Category 4 casino license was secured by Ira Lubert’s SC Gaming OpCo during a 2020 auction.
However, a conditional approval by the PGCB in June 2025 reshaped the partnership, allowing a Saratoga-controlled entity to dominate with a 60% stake, while SC Gaming retains a noteworthy minority interest.
Pennsylvania has also made a major advancement in online gaming by becoming the sixth state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). Led by Governor Josh Shapiro, this decision allows online poker sites in the state to connect with those in New Jersey, Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, and West Virginia.
Happy Valley Casino Expected to Generate Millions
The Happy Valley Casino aims to revitalize the central Pennsylvania region with a project budget estimated at $120 million.
Situated within the College Township's Nittany Mall, this "mini-casino" is conveniently near Penn State University’s bustling University Park campus.
The facility is authorized to operate 600 slot machines and up to 30 live table games across a variety of gaming options, including blackjack, craps, roulette, mini-baccarat, and poker.
Here's the official 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
The facility will also feature various dining options, with future plans to expand to expand to the maximum of 750 slots permitted for Category 4 casinos.
In Pennsylvania, Category 4 land-based casinos are known as “satellite casinos.” These smaller casinos, also called mini-casinos, can feature 300 to 750 slot machines plus up to 40 table games
The smoke-free venue is expected to open in April.
New Casino in Pennsylvania Already Under Construction
The construction of the casino is already in progress, with organizers targeting an opening date in April 2026.
The venue will fill a long-vacant Macy's department store space, acting as a catalyst for the surrounding area's redevelopment at Dale Summit and Nittany Mall.
Unlike large destination resorts, Happy Valley Casino will offer a localized experience with its diverse amenities. In addition to the casino and previously mentioned dining options, quick-serve dining will be available, and a centrally located bar will operate 24/7.
Saratoga Casino Holdings Diversifies Operations
For Saratoga Casino Holdings, entering the Pennsylvania market presents a strategic opportunity to diversify its operations.
The Category 4 license offers a cost-effective foothold without the heavy fees often associated with larger Category 1 and 2 properties. The casino will target the substantial student and local population, positioning itself as a significant player in an underserved market.
The project is expected to yield multiple benefits for the State College area, including economic revitalization, job creation, and increased local tax revenue. Nevertheless, it has also faced scrutiny and opposition, a common scenario for gaming proposals near university campuses.
As the Happy Valley Casino project advances, it remains a pivotal development for Saratoga Casino Holdings and the central Pennsylvania region, offering a promising glimpse of growth and renewal.
