An estimated $130 million casino project near the Penn State University campus remains on track for a 2026 opening.
But, Bally’s Corporation will no longer be a part of the project.
Bally’s and casino developer SC Gaming announced an end to their relationship in a Sept. 13 press release. For its part, Bally’s exercised its option to pull out of the three-year-old agreement. Its “corporate strategic priorities have shifted elsewhere,” according to the release.
The sides collaborated on casino development at the former Macy’s location at Nittany Mall. Plans in State College, PA, still call for:
- Up to 750 slot machines
- 30 table games
- Food and drink options and
- An area for Pennsylvania sports betting.
SC Gaming owner Ira Lubert said the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s application and approval process proves he can independently develop the Nittany Mall casino plans.
“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,” he said.
“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,” he continued. “We remain on track to bring this transformational development to life for Central Pennsylvania, and I wish Bally’s continued success in their exciting ventures, including major projects in Chicago and Las Vegas.”
Bally’s Corporation Has Big Projects Elsewhere
As Lubert mentioned, Bally’s Corporation has other growth plans in the US market. The company just marked the first anniversary of its temporary Bally’s Chicago Casino, housed in the historic Medinah Temple.
Permanent site plans call for a $940 million, 500-room, 34-story hotel tower and casino at the 30-acre former Tribune Publishing site along the Chicago River. With land acquisition and financing included, investors have directed about $2.07 billion to Bally’s for the project.
In Las Vegas, Bally’s is demolishing the Tropicana casino-hotel. They’ll use the 35-acre lot at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue to build a new casino resort. Developers may target the site for a ballpark to house MLB’s Oakland A’s franchise.
“We are grateful for the collaboration and achievements we have accomplished with SC Gaming over the past three years,” Bally’s Corporation President George Papanier said. “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.”
Bally Casino is Still Live in PA
Bally’s Corporation may no longer have a brick-and-mortar home in Pennsylvania. Still, the Bally Casino app remains an option for online slots, jackpot slots, table games, and live dealer games. Bally’s Atlantic City Hotel & Casino resort in New Jersey is the nearest in-person site for Bally’s wagers.
Pennsylvania online casino games generated $183.7 million in monthly gross revenue in August 2024, up 26.73% from August 2023. The Bally Casino app generated about $3.64 million in revenue for the most recent reporting month.
Bally Bet is not an option among Pennsylvania’s online sports betting apps. The state reported about $485.3 million in August 2024 sports bets, up 36.21% from August 2023.
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