Happy Valley Casino To Offer Free Table Game Dealer School in State College

• Gambling News
• 31 August 2025

Near Penn State University's main campus in State College, Pennsylvania, a new school is about to open.

Later this year, students will start learning how to deal cards at a school at the Nittany Mall, just a few miles from where 40,000 undergraduates study in almost 300 main programs.  The upcoming "mini-casino," which will be allowed to include up to 750 slot machines and an initial allocation of 30 live dealer table games, need experienced croupiers as the Happy Valley Casino is scheduled to open next spring.

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

Due to his 3% ownership share in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, Lubert was eligible to bid in the Category 4 auction.  The Category 4 licenses were only available for bid by casino corporations and individuals that owned a sizable portion of a present Pennsylvania slot machine license.

Details of the Dealer School 

On October 1, the Happy Valley Casino dealer school will begin for enrollment.  The only requirements are that the applicant be at least 21 years old and able to be judged suitable in the PGCB's views in order to be granted a dealer license; no prior experience is required.

The 12-week course starts on December 15 and ends on January 5.  There will be classes 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.

Craps, roulette, and blackjack will be taught to the students.  Every job is a prize, according to the Happy Valley Casino website.

Casino Construction

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.

According to casino representatives who spoke to the PGCB, the $120 million investment will come with roughly 22 tables and 600 slot machines when it opens.  Although mobile sports betting is available in Pennsylvania (as is iGaming with online slots and table games), the business will not include an on-site sportsbook.

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