A new casino is on the way to State College, thanks to SC Gaming OpCo, which may be betting on Pennsylvania’s booming gaming industry. Ira Lubert, a real estate entrepreneur, is spearheading a $120 million initiative that hopes to turn the old Macy’s department store at the Nittany Mall into a thriving gaming center. The state’s record-breaking gambling income of $574.5 million in March suggests a rising desire for gaming in the area, and this follows on the heels of that.
The original $10 million proposal for the Category 4 casino license came in 2020 from Ira Lubert himself, who happens to be a Penn State alumnus. But legal challenges cast doubt on the constitutionality of his ambition, casting a shadow over the bid. Lubert won in court, allowing SC Gaming OpCo to go on with the casino development, despite claims that he did not bid independently.
In September 2024, Bally’s withdrew from the collaboration, stating that their objectives had shifted, even though they were originally supposed to run the casino. However, this change in direction did not cause the project to fail. Saratoga Casino Holdings, a reputable participant in the gaming sector with locations in New York, Colorado, and Mississippi, later joined forces with SC Gaming OpCo as a new operational partner.
Boosted Confidence Amid Gambling Boom
The timing of the casino’s opening was perfect. Reports from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) indicate that the state’s gaming revenues hit a record high of $574.5 million in March, up 3.6% year-over-year. Although there were minor downturns in some areas like sports betting and brick-and-mortar casinos, the business as a whole is doing quite well. The State College casino seems to be a promising endeavor for SC Gaming OpCo, with its robust revenue growth that suggests a definite need for additional gaming opportunities.
Construction on the new casino has begun with the erection of fences surrounding the old Macy’s shop at the Nittany Mall. Up to 750 slot machines, 30 live dealer table games, a sportsbook, a restaurant with a sports theme, a bar, and a grab-and-go food outlet will all be part of the $120 million investment. By providing guests with an all-encompassing entertainment experience, the facility hopes to increase State College’s allure as a gaming destination.
As construction progresses, SC Gaming OpCo is also securing the necessary licenses to operate the casino. Former Bally’s executive Elia Trowbridge already submitted an application for a principle license to the PGCB on April 16, 2025.
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