Saratoga Casino Holdings has received a gaming license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, clearing a key regulatory step for the opening of the Happy Valley Casino near State College. With the approval, the New York-based company now holds gaming licenses for non-tribal casinos in four states: New York, Mississippi, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.
The license brings the Happy Valley Casino project closer to its expected April opening at the site of a former Macy’s store at the Nittany Mall in College Township, just outside State College and a few miles from Beaver Stadium. The casino, which is being developed by SC Gaming, received initial approval from the control board last month to operate slot machines and table games. Project representatives have previously said the facility will be smoke-free.
“As a third-generation, family-run business with more than 80 years in the horse racing industry and 20 years in casino, hotel, and entertainment operations, we are extremely proud to receive our Pennsylvania gaming license,” SCH Chief Executive Officer Sam Gerrity said in a statement.
“This milestone further expands our diversification within the gaming industry and reflects our long-standing commitment to operating best-in-class gaming facilities. Our strategy is centered on building strong relationships with our customers, team members, and the communities we serve.”
Saratoga Casino Holdings owns and operates Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York; Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado; and Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi. Across its properties, the company operates about 175,000 square feet of casino gaming space with more than 2,100 slot machines, table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook.
The portfolio also includes restaurants and bars, a harness racing track, two hotels, meeting and event space totaling more than 6,000 square feet, and a nightclub.
Happy Valley Casino is being developed in partnership with SC Gaming. Under a framework agreement signed in March, Saratoga Casino Holdings will develop and manage the Category 4 casino at the Nittany Mall and, upon completion of the transaction, will acquire a majority interest in the property. The total cost of the project is estimated at $120 million.
Render of the proposed casino project
Construction milestones presented to the gaming control board last month outlined a phased schedule leading up to the opening. The back-of-house areas were expected to be completed by Dec. 24, followed by completion of backup generator installation by Jan. 13. The food and beverage areas and gaming floor were scheduled for completion by March 9, with overall construction expected to conclude by March 30.
The casino is set to open with 600 slot machines and 30 table games. The table game mix includes Craps, Roulette, Midi Baccarat, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold‘em, Spanish 21, and Blackjack.
There are no plans to offer live poker at opening, and the casino does not intend to add a poker room within its first year of operations, though officials have indicated it could be considered later. At present, there are also no active plans for sports betting or iGaming, although those options continue to be discussed.
Food and beverage offerings will include Aces Social, a sports-themed restaurant and bar, and a second venue, Lucky Break Café, which will serve items such as pizza, hamburgers, coffee, ice cream, and sandwiches.
SC Gaming paid about $10 million for the Category 4 slot machine license fee in September 2020. In 2021, the developer announced a partnership with Bally’s for the project, but that agreement was terminated in September 2024. At the time, SC Gaming owner Ira Lubert said the termination would not affect the casino’s opening timeline.
Once operational, Happy Valley Casino will become the 18th casino in Pennsylvania.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/12/23/116945-saratoga-casino-holdings-receives-pennsylvania-license-for-happy-valley-casino-project
