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Ira Lubert, owner of SC Gaming, and Bally’s have each announced the termination of a partnership that would have brought a casino to State College in Bally’s name. However, Lubert said the project is still on track.
He has endured a long legal dispute, which accused him of making an improper bid for the casino license. In July, after nearly four years of deliberation, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled in Lubert’s favor.
Despite Bally’s dropping out of the mix, Lubert (above) is determined to bring a Pennsylvania casino to State College.
State College Casino show goes on for now
According to a press release emailed to PlayPennsylvania on Friday, Bally’s corporate strategic priorities “have shifted elsewhere,” resulting in both parties parting ways.
As of now, Lubert is not relying on another gambling company to help with the project for now. He even got the approval from the PGCB. Lubert said in a statement:
“As a part of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s application and approval process, I demonstrated to the Board my resources and capability to independently develop and operate this casino project without reliance on a third party, including Bally’s.
“I have a proven track record of casino resort development in Pennsylvania, having successfully developed the Valley Forge Casino Resort during the challenging economic conditions following the 2008 financial crisis. With that experience, I am fully confident that this project will be a success, delivering a casino development that both College Township and the Commonwealth can take pride in.
Bally’s announced last month that construction on the property would begin during “the first half of 2025.” Lubert remains steadfast on opening the casino in the first half of 2026.
“We remain on track to bring this transformational development to life for Central Pennsylvania, and I wish Bally’s continued success in their exciting ventures, including major projects in Chicago and Las Vegas,” he said.
State College Casino’s road to construction
The PGCB correctly awarded the license of a Category 4 casino to SC Gaming back in September 2020. It beat out the Cordish Companies with a bid that exceeded $10 million.
The Cordish Companies, which own Live! Casino Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, accused Lubert of improperly bidding on the license, bringing in other interests that weren’t licensed in Pennsylvania.
It wasn’t until July that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lubert and the PGCB. Doug Harbach, PGCB Communications Director, told PlayPennsylvania in July:
“The Gaming Control Board was confident in the legal manner in which it awarded the Category 4 license in College Township, and we appreciate the ruling by the Supreme Court backing our process.
“We are pleased that this project can move forward and begin to generate tax dollars and provide employment in the future.”
Ira Lubert cements presence in Penn State community
Lubert is a big part of the Penn State community. Last week, he donated $10 million to his alma mater to build the Lubert Family Welcome Center. Located in Beaver Stadium, the welcome center will serve as an entrance for Penn State fans on game days. It will be the first stop for prospective students, and their families, as they begin to tour the campus.
Bringing a casino to the community, which Lubert is intent on doing so, will further cement his status in Happy Valley.
