Centre County’s long‑discussed Happy Valley Casino is preparing to welcome its first guests later this month, though its official opening date remains unscheduled.

The casino announced last Friday that it will open for two public test days from 2 to 10 p.m. on April 24 and 25, allowing visitors 21 and older to try out the gaming floor while staff complete state‑required checks. Pennsylvania mandates these controlled trial runs for every new casino before regulators sign off on a full opening.

“We’re excited to finally open the doors and show the community what we’ve built,” general manager Eric Pearson said in a statement. “It’s even better that these first days will support two organizations that do meaningful work here in Centre County.”

Revenue generated during the test days will be donated to the State College Food Bank and the YMCA of Centre County.

The casino plans to announce its official opening date after the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reviews the test results. The trial period coincides with Penn State’s Blue‑White Weekend, which is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area. The new practice format kicks off at 1 p.m. on April 25.

According to the Gaming Control Board, test days verify everything from staff readiness to revenue reporting accuracy to the communication between slot machines and the state’s monitoring system.

The project has been years in the making. First proposed in 2020, the mini‑casino faced a lengthy legal battle and regulatory delays before construction finally moved forward in 2025. When it opens, the venue is expected to feature up to 600 slot machines, 30 table games, a full‑service restaurant, and a quick‑serve dining option.

Supporters hope the casino will breathe new life into the Nittany Mall and bring jobs to the area. Several mall tenants have also told Onward State they expect increased foot traffic to spill over into their stores, especially during football weekends and holidays. Critics remain wary of gambling‑related risks and the potential impact on public safety.