The Happy Valley Casino is undergoing construction, expected to be completed by March 30, 2026, ahead of an opening the following April. The casino is being built at the previous Macy’s site at the Nittany Mall. Some State College residents expect it to bring enormous economic benefits to State College, but others fear potential consequences. 

According to sophomore Eric Chen, who researched the topic for an assignment, the casino will bring with it negative effects. 

Chen expressed concern that the casino was targeted towards college students, many of whom would not be of legal gambling age. The rise of underage gambling has been a significant development in recent years, but this is also debated as the use of online gambling platforms, rather than physical casinos, can skew many statistics.

Chen also countered common arguments that the casino will economically benefit State College. “The casino is owned by a private company in New York, and most of the money is going from State College residents into the casino. Most of that profit isn’t going back into our community; it’s going out into the hands of the privately-owned company,” Chen said. The company he is referring to is Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC, which is in partnership on this project with SC Gaming, a company based in State College. 

However, some support the casino. Another sophomore who researched this topic, Angus Chavan, had a very different view. 

“It’s going to be great. It’s going to be one of the greatest things to happen to our town because it’s going to boost our economy, bring in a lot of new jobs, and be a great way to have fun,” Chavan said. While the economic benefits are debated, the casino is expected to create around 300 employment opportunities in State College. 

Chavan also mentioned the benefits the casino could have on the entire State College economy. “They’re not just going to go to the casino, they’re gonna go to the mall, and they’re gonna go to other businesses nearby,” Chavan said. 

Some sources, such as the American Gaming Association (AGA), point this out to be a positive factor, as casinos can increase tourism, but the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis says otherwise, as casino amenities can pull customers away from neighboring businesses.

Chavan wasn’t worried about underage gambling. “Underaged gambling is already happening. Whether there’s a casino or not, it’s not going to stop people,” he said.

Once again, these are heavily debated topics that can vary in areas, so the effects these will have on State College are yet to be seen.

The impacts of this new casino are yet to be seen, and its construction could bring with it numerous things. From the economy to the crime rate, numerous aspects could be impacted. Regardless, it is certain that the Happy Valley Casino will change our community, for the better or for the worse.