In State College, Pennsylvania, a new school is set to open close to Penn State University's main campus.

Later this year, a school in the Nittany Mall, just a few miles from where 40,000 undergraduates study in almost 300 academic programs, will start teaching students how to deal cards. Skilled croupiers are needed for the upcoming "mini-casino," Happy Valley Casino, which is scheduled to debut next spring. It will be able to accommodate up to 750 slot machines and an initial allocation of 30 live dealer table games.

"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.”

The purchase of a 60% share in the casino close to PSU by New York-based Saratoga Casino Holdings was approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in June. In September 2020, SC Gaming OpCo, LLC, a company headed by prominent Pennsylvanian businessman Ira Lubert, obtained the gaming license after a $10 million competitive offer.

Due to his 3% ownership holding in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, Lubert was eligible to take part in the Category 4 auction. Bidding on the Category 4 licenses was limited to casino corporations and individuals who held a substantial stake in a current Pennsylvania slot machine license.

Details of the Dealer School 

The Happy Valley Casino dealer school will begin accepting students on October 1. The only requirements for obtaining a dealer license are that the applicant must be at least 21 years old and recognized eligible by the PGCB. Experience is not required.

December 15 and January 5 are the start dates of the 12-week program. Classes will be offered both during the day and at night.

“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,” Rinaldi added.

Students will learn blackjack, roulette, and craps. The Happy Valley Casino website says, “Every job’s a jackpot.”

Building a Casino

Happy Valley Casino is currently renovating an anchor space that was formerly a Macy's department store at the Nittany Mall. About 300 individuals are anticipated to work at the casino.

The $120 million investment would contain roughly 600 slot machines and 22 tables when it opens, casino representatives told the PGCB. Although mobile sports betting is available in Pennsylvania (as is iGaming with online slots and table games), the establishment will not have an on-site sportsbook.

In addition, the Happy Valley Casino will have a bar, grab-and-go cuisine, and a full-service restaurant.