Pennsylvania's Happy Valley Casino set for April opening with table games, slots, and dealer school

Pennsylvania's Happy Valley Casino is set to open in April, marking the first such gambling property in Centre County. Officials expect to employ nearly 300 people once the property goes live.

The casino will introduce 30 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette, while also offering a paid 12-week dealer school to prepare local applicants for gaming positions.

The dealer program requires no prior experience, and participants will earn wages while completing the training. Classes are scheduled to begin in December and January, with applications accepted starting in October.

“The project’s been taking a long time to get to this point, and so we’re happy to be so close to actually opening the doors,” Eric Pearson, CEO and General Manager of Happy Valley Casino, said in a WTAJ report.

The facility expects to employ nearly 300 workers once operational. Pearson said the company has been holding local hiring events, reporting a strong level of interest, particularly for the dealer training program.

Along with the table games, the casino will include more than 700 slot machines and a full-service restaurant. Pearson said the offerings were developed to align with local market demand.

Pearson noted that construction faced potential delays due to equipment such as generators, which are typically sourced internationally and require tariff and certification processes. However, contractors have been able to maintain the scheduled timeline for the April opening.

Residents in the area have expressed anticipation for the project’s completion. Jack Kirchner, a senior at Penn State, told WTAJ: “I love the idea of the casino coming to the area. I’m a big gambler myself, love trying to spend money to make money. I think it’s gonna bring a lot of buzz to the town.”