Casino Approved Near the Penn State Campus Will Be Named the Happy Valley Casino

A casino currently under construction near the Penn State campus has a change in ownership and will be named the Happy Valley Casino.

Changing the Landscape

Happy Valley has always been associated with Penn State, but a new casino slated to be opened in April 2026 will change the landscape to include a casino located near the famed college campus. It will be located at the site of the former Macy’s at the Nittany Mall and is expected to boost economic activity in the region and become a tourist attraction.

The casino will be named the Happy Valley Casino, paying homage to the history and culture of the area, and should be a jumping-off point for economic activity in the region.

Eric Pearson, CEO and manager of Happy Valley Casino, said, “We feel that the name and logo pay homage to the rich history, picturesque landscapes, and enduring spirit of the Happy Valley community that we are proud to be a part of,” said Eric Pearson, CEO of SC Gaming.

Rolling the Dice on Local Development

The casino will feature 750 slot machines, 30 table games, and two dining areas that will assist in rejuvenating the somewhat abandoned mall. The project has not been without its detractors, with some insisting it will prey upon the college community and the bevy of students who reside and go to school there.

“College kids are not our target demographic; it is really that 45-plus age range is typically who comes to casinos,” Pearson said. “The college students are not interesting to us as customers. However, their parents, when they come to visit, we’re excited to welcome them.”

College Township authorities have approved and launched an impact study that will reveal how the local community could be affected. The study is set to be released in the fall.

New Boss in Town

On a related note, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) granted an ownership change from SC Holdings to New York-based Saratoga Casino Holdings that gives 60% of the ownership to Saratoga. SC Holdings paid a $1 million change of ownership fee to the PGCB, which will go to the state’s general fund.

Saratoga COO Alex Tucker stated to the regulatory authority that they wrote a check for nearly $1 million to the Mississippi community where their Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel is located.

“A million dollars, maybe, in some places, doesn’t get you very far, but $1 million in Natchez, MS, made a real statement. It showed that we wanted to be part of that community. (…) That just goes to show what values we bring when we get involved with a property. We go all in,” Tucker stated.

As for future plans, the online world may be an opportunity going forward, but it is not something the group is focused on yet. Pearson remarked, “For State College, it’s not part of our opening plans. Really, all of our efforts are focused on getting the brick-and-mortar casino built and opened as fast as possible.

“We’ve talked about our options with iGaming and sports betting, but strategically, we’ve made that a secondary priority. We’re open to participating in that if the right relationship comes along and if it makes sense for State College.”