Key Points
- Saratoga secures Pennsylvania licence
- Happy Valley Casino expected April 2026
- Facility will feature 600 slots, 30 table games
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently awarded Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC a license to operate in Pennsylvania, marking its entry into the Keystone State’s non‑tribal casino market. The license clears a significant regulatory barrier for the Happy Valley Casino project, underscoring Saratoga’s adherence to state standards and readiness to proceed with its development plans.
This development follows a
preliminary PGCB approval
in November for both slot machines and table games at the Happy Valley location, situated in a former Macy’s at the Nittany Mall in College Township. Additionally, control board members confirmed a formal vote on December 17, granting final operational authority to Saratoga.
Saratoga Casino Holdings, a family-founded enterprise with over 80 years in horse racing and two decades in gaming and hospitality, operates major properties across New York, Colorado, and Mississippi. Its portfolio includes Saratoga Casino Hotel (NY), Saratoga Casino Black Hawk (CO), and Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel (MS), totaling roughly 175,000 square feet of casino space with more than 2,100 slot machines, table games, a poker room and sportsbook.
With the Pennsylvania license secured, Saratoga now holds non‑tribal casino licenses in four states: New York, Mississippi, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. CEO Sam Gerrity emphasized that the expansion strengthens the company’s strategy of offering high‑quality gaming facilities while fostering strong community ties.
The Happy Valley Casino Project Details
Happy Valley Casino is a $120 million Category 4 project being developed in partnership with SC Gaming. Saratoga will take majority ownership upon completion. Construction has advanced in phases: back‑of‑house areas were completed by late December, utilities by mid‑January, and gaming floors and dining spaces are anticipated to finish by early March.
The casino is slated to debut in April 2026 with an inventory of 600 slot machines and 30 table games. The lineup includes craps, roulette, various poker forms, baccarat, and blackjack. No poker room or sports betting kiosks are planned at launch, though both may be considered in the future. The smoke‑free facility will also feature two dining venues: Aces Social (sports‑themed) and Lucky Break Café (casual fare).
A Long‑Term View and Community Impact
The casino has been in development since the PGCB’s initial approval in September 2020, but was delayed by litigation until a Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling upheld the board’s decision. In June 2025, Saratoga acquired 60% of the project in a change‑of‑control vote.
Looking ahead, Happy Valley Casino will become Pennsylvania’s 18th non‑tribal casino. Saratoga frames the project as part of its mission to develop integrated entertainment facilities while maintaining strong relations with customers and communities.