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Free, Hands-on Training for High-Earning Casino Career

State College, PA – Happy Valley Casino is excited to announce that enrollment is now open for its free, new Dealer School, giving aspiring table games dealers the opportunity to train for an exciting career in the casino industry.
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The 12-week program has two start dates: December 15, 2025 and January 5, 2026. The school is designed to provide hands-on training in popular games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, and more. No prior experience is needed—just personality and a willingness to learn.

Students accepted into the program will enjoy:
• Free tuition
• Paid training while learning
• Flexible day and evening class options
• Small group instruction and real-world simulations to build confidence and speed on the casino floor
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“Whether you’re looking to jumpstart a new career, add extra income with flexible part-time hours, or step into a vibrant, people-centered profession, Dealer School could be your winning move. Professionally trained dealers have the potential to build rewarding careers with strong earning potential, and we’re proud to open the door to an industry that’s fun, flexible, and full of opportunity,” said Steve Rinaldi, Director of Table Games at Happy Valley Casino.
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Dealer School graduates will become employees of Happy Valley Casino, scheduled to open in Spring 2026.

To enroll in dealer school visit hvcasino.com. Don’t miss your chance to join Happy Valley Dealer School and start your journey toward an exciting, rewarding career.
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About Happy Valley Casino
Happy Valley Casino is a Category 4 casino expected to open in Spring 2026 inside the Nittany Mall in State College, PA. Subject to all regulatory approvals, Happy Valley Casino will include up to 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a full-service restaurant, and a quick-serve dining option. For updates on the project visit hvcasino.com. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for free, confidential support 24/7. 

Media Contact: media@hvcasino.com

Offering Fast-Track Training for High-Earning Casino Careers

State College, PA – Happy Valley Casino is thrilled to announce the introduction of its Dealer School, launching this October. Designed to prepare students for exciting, in-demand careers in the casino industry, the program offers hands-on, comprehensive training in popular table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, and more—no experience required.
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With flexible day and evening classes, the Dealer School is ideal for those seeking a full-time career or part-time work. Students will also gain valuable people skills, game knowledge, and insight into a dynamic, fast-paced industry.
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“This school isn’t just about dealing cards—it’s about launching careers in a high-growth, high-energy industry,” said Eric Pearson, General Manager at Happy Valley Casino. “We’re preparing people not only to succeed in gaming, but to thrive in it.”

Happy Valley Dealer School is a 12-week program and is free to attend (once accepted) and students will be paid for their time while training. Training will include real-world simulations and small group instruction where students gain the confidence, speed, and skills to excel on the casino floor from day one.
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“I began my career as a table games dealer at just 21, and each step along the way has led to meaningful growth and opportunity. Today, I’m proud to be leading the entire Table Games Department at Happy Valley Casino,” said Steve Rinaldi, Director of Table Games. “What began as an exciting, people focused job cheering players on, building energy at the table, and earning great tips—turned into a career filled with meaningful relationships and lasting opportunities. It’s given me the stability to grow, support my family, and build a life I’m proud of. If you’ve got personality, we’ll teach you the rest! This industry can change your life.”
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Enrollment for dealer school will start October 1 with classes beginning December 15, 2025 and January 5, 2026. To enroll visit hvcasino.com.
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Happy Valley Casino is expected to employ nearly 300 team members upon its anticipated opening in the Spring of 2026.

About Happy Valley Casino
‍Happy Valley Casino is a Category 4 casino expected to open in Spring 2026 inside the Nittany Mall in State College, PA. Subject to all regulatory approvals, Happy Valley Casino will include up to 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a full-service restaurant, and a quick-serve dining option. For updates on the project visit hvcasino.com. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for free, confidential support 24/7. 

Media Contact: media@hvcasino.com

College Township, Pennsylvania (May 29, 2025) –SC Gaming LLC is proud to announce the official name and logo of its forthcoming casino at the Nittany Mall: Happy Valley Casino.

The contemporary logo design reflects the modern vision and spirit of the future casino, while incorporating visual nods to the iconic valleys and mountains of the region.

“We feel that the name and logo pays homage to the rich history, picturesque landscapes and enduring spirit of the Happy Valley community that we are proud to be a part of,” said Eric Pearson, CEO of SC Gaming.

Construction of the casino is already underway and is expected to be complete by early spring 2026. Local State College construction company, Poole Anderson Construction, is the General Contractor on the Project.

“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,” added Pearson.

In January, SC Gaming announced it had entered into a Framework Agreement with Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC to partner on the State College project, subject to pending regulatory approvals by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Also subject to all gaming approvals, Happy Valley Casino will include up to 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a full-service restaurant, and a quick-serve dining option.

About SC Gaming
SC Gaming is wholly owned and led by Ira Lubert, a successful businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He has a proven track record in casino resort development, including the successful development of the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

Media Contact: media@hvcasino.com

Saratoga Springs, New York and College Township, Pennsylvania (March 4, 2025) – Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC and SC Gaming LLC have signed a framework agreement to develop and manage a Category 4 casino to open near the Nittany Mall in State College, PA, which remains subject to all regulatory approvals.

Construction of the casino is already underway and is expected to take approximately one year to complete. Subject to all regulatory approvals, the casino will include up to 750 slot machines, 30 table games, a full-service restaurant, and several quick-serve dining options.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $120 million, and upon completion of the transaction, Saratoga Casino Holdings will acquire a majority interest in the property.

“We are excited to partner with SC Gaming and expand our footprint into the competitive Pennsylvania gaming market,” said Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC. “This collaboration will allow us to leverage each of our strengths and deliver an unparalleled experience to our customers.”

‍“After years of delays, we’re overjoyed to be finally moving into active construction,” said Eric Pearson, CEO of SC Gaming. “After an intensive and expansive evaluation process, we’ve found the right partner with Saratoga, who shares our core values and a strong focus on guest experience. The pending partnership will help us build a casino the community can be proud of.”

Pearson, who has headed up the project since its inception, will continue with his role overseeing the development and operations of the planned casino.

‍About Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC (SCH) owns and operates Saratoga Casino Hotel, in Saratoga Springs, NY; Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, located in the historic town of Black Hawk, CO; and Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, situated along the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi. Combined, SCH properties include approximately 175,000 square feet of casino gaming space with over 2,100 slot machines, table games, a poker room and a sportsbook. SCH also offers multiple entertainment options including restaurants and bars, a harness track, two hotels, over 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, and a night club. SCH is also a partner with Delaware North Companies in the operation of Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths in Saratoga Springs, NY.

‍About SC Gaming SC Gaming is wholly owned and led by Ira Lubert, a successful businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He has a proven track record in casino resort development, including the successful development of the Valley Forge Casino Resort.

Media Contact:
‍Amy Brannigan
Corporate Director of Marketing, Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC abrannigan@saratogacasino.com
(518) 581-5721