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SC Gaming, which is in charge of delivering a casino near Penn State’s campus, has named the new property Happy Valley Casino.
The company made the announcement Thursday afternoon.
SC Gaming CEO Eric Pearson said in the statement:
“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.”
The statement also said the logo offers a “modern vision and spirit of the future casino, while incorporating visual nods to the iconic valleys and mountains of the region.”
Construction has started on the project
Ira Lubert, owner of SC Gaming, has had his sights set on a casino near Penn State since 2020. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) awarded his company the winning bid for the project.
Lubert and SC Gaming edged out Cordish Companies, which owns Live! casinos in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with a bid just over $10 million.
Pending regulatory approval from the PGCB, Happy Valley Casino is expected to have 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a full-service restaurant, and a quick-serve dining option. Pearson confirmed in his statement that construction is underway.
“The project is off to a great start and we’re confident that once it is completed, we’ll deliver a premier experience focusing on fun, excitement and hospitality that compliments Happy Valley and serves as a catalyst for further exciting development of the Dale Summit region around the Nittany Mall.”
New owner
Happy Valley Casino is expected to open in the spring of 2026. It could have a new owner in the near future, too.
Lubert and Saratoga Casino Holdings came to an agreement in March that would have the latter own 60% of SC Gaming. PGCB Communications Director Doug Harbach told PlayPennsylvania that corporate restructuring has been requested and could take months to complete. This came after SC Gaming and its previous partner, Bally’s, severed ties.
Until the deal is complete, SC Gaming remains the sole decision-maker on the project.
Lubert has strong ties to Penn State, having graduated in 1973. In addition to the gambling market, Lubert and his wife, Pam Estadt, donated $10 million to build a new welcome center at Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley.
