Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC has obtained a gaming license from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, clearing a key regulatory step for the corporate because it prepares to develop and function the upcoming Happy Valley Casino in central Pennsylvania. The approval provides Pennsylvania to the record of states the place the New York-based operator holds non-tribal on line casino licenses, alongside New York, Mississippi, and Colorado, and positions the corporate as the bulk proprietor of the brand new facility close to State College.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board confirmed that it awarded the license final week, with the choice finalized via a separate vote. With that motion, Saratoga Casino Holdings formally assumes accountability for guiding the mission towards its anticipated opening timeline.
Chief Executive Officer Sam Gerrity acknowledged the importance of the choice in a company statement, saying, “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.” He added, “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.”
Ownership Shift and Regulatory Background
The path to the Happy Valley Casino license spans a number of years. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board initially awarded the Category 4 on line casino alternative to SC Gaming, owned by Ira Lubert, in September 2020. That choice triggered prolonged litigation, which concluded after 4 years when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the board’s ruling. The final result allowed the mission to advance towards growth.
Following the court docket choice, Lubert offered a majority share of the mission to Saratoga Casino Holdings. The switch turned official throughout a June assembly of the gaming management board, granting Saratoga Casino Holdings a 60% possession stake and administration management. Earlier this yr, the 2 firms signed a framework settlement outlining Saratoga’s function in growing and managing the on line casino on the Nittany Mall.
SC Gaming paid about $10 million for the Category 4 slot machine license price in September 2020. In 2021, the corporate introduced a partnership with Bally’s, although that settlement led to September 2024. Lubert acknowledged on the time that the termination wouldn’t have an effect on the on line casino’s deliberate opening.
Construction Plans and Gaming Offerings
Construction is already underway on the web site, which occupies a long-vacant Macy’s division retailer house on the Nittany Mall alongside East College Avenue in College Township, a brief distance from Penn State University and Beaver Stadium. The mission carries an estimated whole price of $120 million and is predicted to behave as a catalyst for redevelopment within the surrounding space.
Developers have outlined a phased building schedule. Back-of-house areas are anticipated to be accomplished by late December, adopted by set up of a backup generator in mid-January. Work on meals, beverage, and gaming areas is scheduled to complete in early March, with full building focused for completion by the top of that month.
When it opens, Happy Valley Casino is predicted to start operations with 600 slot machines and 30 desk video games. Approved desk choices embrace Craps, Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Spanish 21, and Blackjack. The on line casino won’t supply dwell poker throughout its first yr, although officers have indicated that the choice could possibly be thought-about later. There are additionally no energetic plans for sports activities betting or iGaming at launch, in line with statements made to the board.
Role within the Local Market
As a Category 4 facility, Happy Valley Casino falls beneath Pennsylvania’s “satellite casino” designation, which permits between 300 and 750 slot machines and as much as 40 desk video games. Plans embrace potential enlargement to the utmost 750 slots if buyer demand helps it. The smoke-free venue is predicted to open in April 2026, making it the 18th on line casino working within the state.
Dining choices will embrace Aces Social, a sports-themed restaurant and bar, together with Lucky Break Café, which plans to serve gadgets akin to pizza, hamburgers, espresso, ice cream, and sandwiches. Additional quick-serve eating and a centrally situated bar working across the clock are additionally a part of the design.
Saratoga Casino Holdings at the moment owns and operates properties in Saratoga Springs, New York; Black Hawk, Colorado; and Natchez, Mississippi. Across its portfolio, the corporate manages roughly 175,000 sq. toes of gaming house, greater than 2,100 slot machines, desk video games, a poker site, a sportsbook, lodges, eating venues, assembly house, and leisure choices.
For the State College space, the mission is predicted to carry financial exercise, new jobs, and extra tax income, although proposals for gaming amenities close to college campuses have traditionally drawn public scrutiny. As growth continues, Happy Valley Casino represents a significant enlargement for Saratoga Casino Holdings and a notable addition to Pennsylvania’s gaming panorama.
