Saratoga Casino Holdings (SCH) of New York on Monday announced it was granted a gaming license by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. SCH now holds gaming licenses for non-tribal casinos in four states, including New York, Mississippi, Colorado and Pennsylvania.
Long in the works from developer SC Gaming, Happy Valley Casino last month received initial Control Board approval to operate slots and table games. The licensing of operator Saratoga brings the venue one step closer to its expected April opening at the site of a former Macy’s in State College. Representatives of the project have previously stated the casino will be smoke free.
“As a third-generation, family-run business with more than 80 years in the horse racing industry and 20 years in casino, hotel, and entertainment operations, we are extremely proud to receive our Pennsylvania gaming license,” SCH CEO Sam Gerrity said in a statement. “This milestone further expands our diversification within the gaming industry and reflects our long-standing commitment to operating best-in-class gaming facilities. Our strategy is centered on building strong relationships with our customers, team members, and the communities we serve.”
Saratoga Casino Holdings owns and operates Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York; Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado; and Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi. Combined, SCH properties include about 175,000 square feet of casino gaming space with more than 2,100 slot machines, table games, a poker room and a sportsbook.
Saratoga also offers multiple entertainment options including restaurants and bars, a harness track, two hotels, more than 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and a nightclub.