State College PA Casino Moves Forward Despite Bally’s Dropping Out Of Project
The joint venture between SC Gaming and Bally’s Corp. for a Nittany Mall casino in Pennsylvania has been terminated, although SC Gaming will now pursue the project solo.
It was not a total surprise when Bally’s announced it was leaving the project on Sept. 13. Onlookers have been saying for a while the company’s taken on too much, with big-ticket projects in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas.
“The termination of the framework agreement aligns with Bally’s long-term strategic goals and allows the company to allocate resources towards other priorities. Bally’s remains confident in its ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing market,” a company news release read.
Key Takeaways
- Bally’s drops out of Nittany Mall Casino partnership with SC Gaming, according to the Centre Daily Times.
- SC Gaming aims to start construction by Q1 2025.
- Ira Lubert, owner of SC Gaming, said he has the financial stability to proceed with the casino project independently.
SC Gaming takes solo leap forward
It all started four years ago when Lubert won the bid for a mini-casino license in State College, home to Penn State University. Since Bally’s wasn’t eligible at the time, Lubert partnered with them to bring the project to life, with plans for the Bally’s brand to be on the new gaming venue.
In July, a Supreme Court ruling removed the last roadblock for the Nittany Mall casino.
Lubert said despite Bally’s new priorities forcing it to leave the project, he has the financial backing to take the reins and move forward.
“As a part of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s application and approval process, I demonstrated to the Board my resources and capability to independently develop and operate this casino project without reliance on a third party, including Bally’s.”
In a news release, Bally’s President George Papanier noted the delightful partnership it had with SC Gaming, and despite pulling out of the race, Bally’s wished SC Gaming the best of luck.
“We are grateful for the collaboration and achievements we have accomplished with SC Gaming over the past three years. However, as our strategic focus evolves, we have made the difficult decision to conclude our relationship. We extend SC Gaming our best wishes for their ongoing development efforts and for their continued success.”
Nittany Mall casino on track for early 2025 construction start
SC Gaming’s CEO Eric Pearson wants to hit the ground running, the Centre Daily Times article said, pushing for construction to start by Q1 2025. That’s music to the ears of Ira Lubert, who’s passionate about bringing this vision to life.
“I have a proven track record of casino resort development in Pennsylvania, having successfully developed the Valley Forge Casino Resort during the challenging economic conditions following the 2008 financial crisis,” Lubert said, according to the Centre Daily Times. “With that experience, I am fully confident that this project will be a success, delivering a casino development that both College Township and the Commonwealth can take pride in.”
If everything falls into place, the Nittany Mall casino should open its doors by mid-2026, transforming the old Macy’s space into an entertainment hub.
Supporters of the project are hoping the casino can turn Nittany Mall around, generating jobs and growth. However, opponents are sounding the alarm about gambling addiction and the impact on local emergency services.
The proposed casino would be a 24/7, non-smoking venue featuring:
- Up to 750 slots
- 30 table games
- A sports betting area
- A sports-themed eatery
- A bar
Meanwhile, in other state news, a slight change might be coming to the Pennsylvania casino market as a group of casino operators from the Keystone State claims the 50% slot tax is unconstitutional and is asking the state’s highest court to intervene.