Construction has officially begun on the $120 million Happy Valley Casino project, aiming to revitalize the Nittany Mall in State College. Located at the former Macy’s department store, the casino is expected to open in the first half of 2026. It will feature a modern scene with 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a sports betting area, a full-service restaurant, and a quick-service dining option.

While the new casino brings excitement for locals and guests, many players still explore online gambling, which has become much more popular since it was legalized in 2017. Players now seek top-rated online casinos with fast payouts, big game selections, and generous bonuses. Most rely on comprehensive online casino comparison platforms to find the best options.

As gambling writer Alex Hoffmann notes, the best online places to play stand out because they have easy ways to pay and wider gaming options. This makes them popular with players who like to gamble without the inconvenience of needing to leave home. Either way, whether people play online or in person, casino gaming is changing quickly and giving players more options than ever. However, the new Happy Valley Casino is still a big deal for those who enjoy visiting casinos in person.

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.

Happy Valley casino is expected to boost the local economy by attracting more visitors and bringing in millions of dollars in new tax revenue. A report from 2021 by Econsult Solutions, Inc. said College Township is expected to earn over $1.6 million in yearly revenue from the casino’s operations in its first year.

Happy Valley casino could also create around 350 full-time jobs. Some of the roles come with competitive salaries, ranging from about $70,000 to $95,000. Roles like these have made the casino industry highly sought after. With plenty of scope for growth and promotions over time, this is welcome news for the region’s job seekers.

Eric Pearson, the CEO and manager of Happy Valley Casino, is happy with the progress so far. He also thinks that once the casino’s finished, it’ll be a fun and friendly place and help other businesses grow around the Nittany Mall.

The journey to this point was tough. In September 2020, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board awarded the license to SC Gaming, choosing their proposal over a bid from the Cordish Companies. Cordish-affiliated Stadium Casino challenged the decision, a legal battle that continued for nearly four years.

During that time, SC Gaming also ended its partnership with Bally’s in 2023. The project gained new momentum in March 2024 when Saratoga Casino Holdings stepped in as a partner. Earlier this year, SC Gaming also reached an agreement for Saratoga to take over a 60% ownership stake, though final approval from the Gaming Control Board is still pending.