Posted on: August 31, 2025, 12:27h.
Last updated on: August 31, 2025, 01:08h.
- A table game dealer school is opening in State College, PA
- The school comes ahead of the spring 2026 opening of the Happy Valley Casino
A new school is opening near the main campus of Penn State University in State College, PA.
Only miles from where 40,000 undergraduates undergo their studies in nearly 300 major programs, a school at the Nittany Mall will begin training students on how to deal cards later this year. With the Happy Valley Casino set to open next spring, the forthcoming “mini-casino” that will be permitted to house up to 750 slot machines and an initial allotment of 30 live dealer table games needs skilled croupiers.
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.”
In June, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board signed off on New York-based Saratoga Casino Holdings acquiring a 60% stake in the casino near PSU. SC Gaming OpCo, LLC, the entity led by well-known Pennsylvania businessman Ira Lubert, won the gaming license through a $10 million competitive bid in September 2020.
Lubert qualified to participate in the Category 4 auction because he holds a 3% ownership stake in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh. Only casino companies and individuals with a significant holding in a current Pennsylvania slot machine license were able to bid on the Category 4 licenses.
Dealer School Details
Enrollment for the Happy Valley Casino dealer school opens Oct. 1. No experience is necessary, with the only qualifications being that the applicant is at least 21 years old and able to be deemed suitable under the PGCB’s eyes to obtain a dealer license.
The 12-week school begins on Dec. 15 and Jan. 5. Both day and evening classes will be available.
“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.”
Casino Construction
Construction is underway at the Nittany Mall, where Happy Valley Casino will reimagine an anchor space that was previously a Macy’s department store. The casino is expected to employ about 300 people.
Casino reps have told the PGCB that the $120 million investment will include about 600 slot machines and 22 tables upon opening. The property will not off an on-site sportsbook, though mobile sports betting is available in Pennsylvania (as is iGaming with online slots and table games).
The Happy Valley Casino will also feature a full-service restaurant, grab-and-go food, and a bar.
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