Published on: February 20, 2026, 11:38 AM.
Updated on: February 20, 2026, 11:38 AM.
- A new gaming venue is set to open in Pennsylvania, located in State College.
- Happy Valley Casino is offering complimentary slot play ahead of its upcoming spring launch.
In the next few weeks, State College will welcome Happy Valley, the 18th land-based casino in Pennsylvania. To celebrate the upcoming launch, the casino is hosting a promotion where early signups can win complimentary slot play.
Classified as a Category 4 “mini casino,” Happy Valley Casino is permitted by Pennsylvania regulations to feature up to 750 slot machines and 30 live dealer tables from the start.
Now under Saratoga Casino Holdings from New York, which acquired a 60% controlling stake from Ira Lubert last year, Happy Valley is promoting a “Countdown to Opening” event, allowing players to get a sneak peek of what’s in store.
Available on the Happy Valley website, participants can enter their details for a chance to play an online game and win free slot play prizes between $10 and $100.
“Our aim is to create a welcoming environment before we even open,” stated Eric Pearson, the general manager of Happy Valley Casino. “The Countdown to Opening game heightens anticipation while allowing our guests to preview the fun and rewards we have planned for this spring.”
“This limited-time event aims to appreciate our early supporters and generate excitement for the grand opening. Winners will be among the first to celebrate at Happy Valley Casino, with all rewards redeemable at the Happy Valley Casino Players Club once we open,” detailed a casino press release.
Happy Valley Casino plans to kick off with 600 slot machines and 30 table games. Note that a sportsbook will not be featured.
Casino Near Penn State
Happy Valley Casino is being developed in the location of a former Macy’s department store within the Nittany Mall, situated under three miles from the Penn State University Park Main Campus.
Currently, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course is the nearest casino to State College. The team behind Happy Valley has also conducted a casino dealer training program at the Nittany Mall.
The training includes instruction on how to deal various games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. This 12-week program is free, and participants earn $15 an hour for their training time.
Happy Valley promises robust “high-paying career” opportunities for graduates who land positions at the casino.
Spring Launch
Happy Valley Casino has hinted at a launch during “spring 2026.” This opening will coincide with a typically quieter period in Centre County, as the spring semester concludes, students depart for summer, and college football season is inactive.
However, during autumn, especially on Penn State football Saturdays, Happy Valley transforms into Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, attracting over 100,000 fans to Beaver Stadium. The $120 million investment, including a $10 million licensing fee, positions Happy Valley Casino to attract many of these game-day visitors for slot play and table games.
Among the amenities, a significant feature will be that most slot machines will double as personal bars, with the SYNKROS Drink System allowing players to order drinks directly from their gaming stations.