Happy Valley Casino in Pennsylvania Enticing Customers With Free Slot Play
Posted on: February 20, 2026, 11:38h.
Last updated on: February 20, 2026, 11:38h.
- A new casino is coming to Pennsylvania by way of State College
- Happy Valley Casino is dishing out free slot play ahead of its spring opening
In the coming weeks, State College’s Happy Valley will become the host of the 18th brick-and-mortar casino in Pennsylvania. In anticipation of the opening, the casino is running a promotion where rewards signups get a chance to win free slot play.
Happy Valley Casino is a Category 4 so-called “mini casino.” By Pennsylvania law, the facility can initially house up to 750 slot machines and 30 live dealer table games.
Happy Valley, now owned by New York-based Saratoga Casino Holdings after Pennsylvania businessman Ira Lubert sold a controlling 60% stake in the license last year, is running a “Countdown to Opening” promotion that gives “players an early taste of what’s to come.”
Now live on the Happy Valley website, those who enter their personal information get a chance to play an online game for a chance to win free slot play prizes ranging from $10 to $100.
Even before we open our doors, we want guests to feel welcomed and rewarded,” said Eric Pearson, general manager of Happy Valley Casino. “The Countdown to Opening game builds anticipation while giving our guests a preview of the fun and rewards they can expect when we open this spring.”
“The limited-time promotion is designed to reward early fans and build excitement leading up to the grand opening. Winners will be among the first to celebrate at Happy Valley Casino, with all prizes redeemable at the Happy Valley Casino Players Club upon opening,” a release from the casino detailed.
Happy Valley Casino plans to open with 600 slots and 30 tables. No sportsbook is included.
Casino Near Penn State
Happy Valley Casino is replacing a former Macy’s department store at the Nittany Mall. The shopping center is less than three miles east of the Penn State University Park Main Campus.
With the closest casino to State College currently Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, the owners behind Happy Valley have run a casino dealer school at the Nittany Mall.
Students are taught how to deal a variety of games, including blackjack, roulette, crape, and baccarat. The 12-week curriculum is free, and students are even paid $15 an hour for their time.
Happy Valley promises “high-paying careers” for dealer graduates who are hired by the casino.
Spring Opening
Happy Valley Casino is teasing a “spring 2026” opening. The facility will open during what’s traditionally a quieter time of the year for Centre County, as the spring semester wraps up, students head home for the summer, and there is no football.
But come fall, Happy Valley on Penn State football Saturdays becomes the third-largest city in Pennsylvania, as more than 100,000 people pack Beaver Stadium. Happy Valley Casino, a $120 million undertaking, inclusive of the $10 million licensing fee, is betting big that many of those weekend football fans will stop by before or after the game to spin a slot and play a table game.
Among the casino’s amenities is that most slots will function as personal bars, as the SYNKROS Drink System will allow players to order beverages directly from their gaming machine.
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