Bally’s Corporation has decided to step away from the ongoing casino project at the Nittany Mall, Pennsylvania, though the initiative is set to progress as originally planned, a recent news release confirmed.
Bally’s strategic shift:
After a partnership lasting three years with casino developer SC Gaming, Bally’s has opted to terminate its framework agreement. This move, according to the Rhode Island-headquartered gambling company, is in alignment with its strategic goals, allowing it to redirect resources toward other key projects, notably in Chicago and Las Vegas.
“We are grateful for the collaboration and achievements we have accomplished with SC Gaming over the past three years,” stated George Papanier, president of Bally’s Corporation.
“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.”
Despite Bally’s departure, the development of the casino, which will occupy the space of the former Macy’s at the College Township mall, will not be affected. The establishment is anticipated to open its doors in 2026.
Investor, Penn State alumnus and former university trustee Ira Lubert owns SC Gaming and in September 2020, his $10 million bid was successful in securing a category 4 license. Shortly after, on January 4, 2021, Bally’s announced that it signed an agreement to develop and manage what was at the time a $120 million Centre-Country mini-casino.
“SC Gaming remains on track to bring this transformational development to life for Central Pennsylvania,” Lubert remarked, according to StateCollege.com. He also highlighted his proven ability to independently develop and operate this casino project as demonstrated to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, citing his prior experience with the Valley Forge Casino Resort amid the economic downturn following the 2008 financial crisis.
Plans for the casino were detailed in an August 2021 public hearing, where it was noted that the casino would operate around the clock, featuring 750 slot machines, 30 table games, and facilities for sports betting. The venue will also include a sports-themed restaurant and bar with an entertainment stage and a multi-outlet quick-serve food court. Targeting an adult demographic, the premises, including the restaurant and food court, will enforce a strict non-smoking policy and will only welcome guests aged 21 and over. Access will be controlled through two external public entrances and one internal mall entrance, with ID scanning at each.
Employment and economic impact:
The casino is expected to generate 350 to 400 full-time equivalent jobs, offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, as outlined by Eric Pearson, the casino’s CEO, at the hearing.
The project, which had seen its state licensing process initiated in 2021, faced legal hurdles only resolved in July of this year. The challenges came from the losing 2020 auction bidder, Stadium Casino, which argued that the Gaming Control Board should not have accepted Lubert’s bid, alleging that Lubert was a front for other parties not eligible to bid. However, the state Supreme Court upheld the awarding of the license to Lubert, dismissing the legal contest.
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