The casino, located in Centre County, is expected to employ nearly 300 people and will feature 30 table games, over 700 slot machines, and a full-service restaurant. The opening is highly anticipated by the community, which has been waiting for months for the project to come to fruition.

“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.

To fill the nearly 300 positions, the casino will hold a dealer school where anyone can learn and apply to become a dealer. The dealer school is a 12-week program, and no experience is required. Participants will even get paid while they learn, with classes beginning in December and January.

Pearson mentioned that the casino has been engaging in local hiring events and has seen a tremendous amount of interest, especially for the dealer school. Applications for the dealer school will start being accepted in October.

The casino will offer a variety of games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette, along with a full-service restaurant. Pearson emphasized that the offerings are being tailored to align with market demands and community interests.

Despite some setbacks, the construction of the casino has remained on track, thanks to the efforts of contractors. Pearson noted that there were concerns about long lead time items, such as generators, which often come from overseas and require navigation through tariffs and import certifications.

Residents are eagerly anticipating the casino’s opening. Jack Kirchner, a senior at Penn State, expressed excitement about the casino, saying, “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.”

The Happy Valley Casino is poised to become a significant attraction in Centre County, offering entertainment and employment opportunities while catering to local interests.