Happy Valley Casino Launches Free Dealer School in State College

A new career opportunity is about to open in State College, Pennsylvania, with the launch of the Happy Valley Casino Dealer School. The free program is designed to train future table game dealers ahead of the casino’s planned spring 2026 opening at the Nittany Mall. For residents seeking stable, hands-on employment in a growing industry, the school serves as both an entry point and a long-term career pathway.

The initiative is part of a broader hiring effort for the $120 million project, which will ultimately employ nearly 300 people. With the casino set to offer hundreds of slot games, dozens of live dealer games, and food and beverage outlets, training a ready workforce is seen as a critical step before opening its doors to the public.

Dealer School Details

Enrollment for the dealer school begins on October 1, 2025, and the program itself consists of two sessions: one starting on December 15 and another on January 5. The course runs for 12 weeks, offering both daytime and evening classes to accommodate different schedules. Unlike many vocational training programs, no prior experience in the casino industry is necessary. The only requirements are that participants be at least 21 years old and meet the suitability standards for a gaming license as set by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

What sets the Happy Valley program apart is that students will be paid for their training time, easing the transition for those who may be changing careers or balancing other commitments. Instruction will cover core table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Training also includes real-world simulations designed to build speed, confidence, and customer service skills, qualities essential to working in a live casino environment.

For casino executives, this isn’t just about filling roles quickly; it’s about building a workforce that can sustain the venue’s growth. Dealers are often the face of the casino, engaging directly with guests and setting the tone at the tables. A well-prepared team can make the difference between a forgettable visit and a loyal returning customer.

The Casino Project at Nittany Mall

Happy Valley Casino is being constructed inside the former Macy’s department store at the Nittany Mall, a redevelopment project that has been years in the making. Once complete, the property will feature up to 750 slot machines and 30 table games. While the license allows for that maximum, operators have indicated the initial floor will house about 600 slots and 22 tables.

Beyond gaming, the venue will include a restaurant, a bar, and a grab-and-go food service option, creating additional employment opportunities. Notably, there will be no retail sportsbook on-site. However, since Pennsylvania permits online sportsbooks and casinos, residents will still have access to those products through existing digital operators.

The Happy Valley project has garnered attention not only because of its size but also due to its proximity to Penn State University. With more than 40,000 undergraduates studying in State College, the casino sits in a unique position, close to a significant population center while still subject to state rules prohibiting anyone under 21 from gambling.

Ownership and Regulatory Background

The development is backed by Saratoga Casino Holdings, which acquired a majority stake in June 2025. The original license was secured by SC Gaming OpCo, a group led by Pennsylvania businessman Ira Lubert, through a $10 million bid in September 2020. Lubert was eligible to participate in the Category 4 auction because of his existing ownership interest in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

Category 4, sometimes referred to as “mini-casinos,” were authorized in Pennsylvania to expand gaming beyond major urban markets. They are capped in size but allow for up to 750 slots and a limited number of table games. Happy Valley Casino is one of the more high-profile of these projects, both because of its proximity to Penn State and because it reuses an ample retail space, aligning with broader trends of casinos revitalizing mall properties.

Career Opportunities Beyond the Tables

The dealer school is being positioned as more than just a training course—it’s marketed as a starting point for careers in the gaming industry. Successful graduates will have the chance to work on the floor as table game dealers, but the potential career paths extend further. Many casino managers and executives started their careers as dealers, using the role as a springboard to supervisory and leadership positions.

Vip dealers often highlight the appeal of steady income, tips, and the opportunity to build relationships with regular customers. For younger workers in particular, the role can provide both short-term earnings and long-term advancement potential.

In addition to dealers, the casino will be hiring across a range of departments, including food and beverage staff, finance, and security. Current job postings already include roles such as table games shift manager, controller, and purchasing agent.

Economic Impact

The opening of Happy Valley Casino is expected to bring more than just entertainment options to Centre County. The $120 million investment represents a significant redevelopment of a mall anchor space that had been left vacant after Macy’s closed. By reimagining the location, the project not only creates jobs but also draws foot traffic back to the retail hub.

For the community, the dealer school could also help retain local talent. Rather than moving away to pursue service industry work, residents may find a viable career path closer to home. And because the school does not require prior gaming experience, it lowers the barrier to entry for anyone interested in trying a new field.

Looking Ahead

As classes begin later this year, the dealer school will mark the first visible step toward bringing the Happy Valley Casino project to life. For Centre County, it’s more than a new entertainment venue; it’s a $120 million redevelopment effort that transforms a vacant mall space into a source of jobs, training, and long-term economic growth. With enrollment opening on October 1, residents have the chance to turn a free 12-week program into a career in one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing industries.

For those interested in applying, enrollment for the dealer school opens on October 1. More information is available on the casino’s official website at hvcasino.com.