The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of Bally’s State College Casino, paving the way for the company to advance its construction plans after years of legal disputes. During Bally’s Q2 2024 earnings call, company officials indicated that construction could commence in “the first half of 2025.”
With this ruling, Bally’s State College Casino is set to become the 18th casino in Pennsylvania. The casino project began when SC Gaming, led by Ira Lubert, submitted a winning bid of over $10 million in 2020, outbidding competitors like Stadium Casino.
Bally’s Outlines Next Steps After Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s decision reaffirmed the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s (PGCB) choice to award Bally’s the gaming license. The PGCB initially granted SC Gaming a mini-casino license in September 2020, which prompted a challenge from Stadium Casino, owners of Live! Casino Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Stadium Casino contended that SC Gaming’s bid process was flawed.
Now that the legal issues have been resolved, Bally’s President George Papanier expressed optimism during the earnings call: “Obviously, the lawsuits are behind us. We’re now focused on obtaining the necessary approvals from the PGCB.” He mentioned that construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025, pending the arrangement of financing and further regulatory approvals.
Doug Harbach, PGCB Director of Communications, confirmed that SC Gaming can proceed with the project unless another appeal is filed. The PGCB is committed to collaborating with SC Gaming to ensure compliance with regulations throughout the development process, leading up to test sessions and the eventual public opening.
Confidence in Regulatory Process
The PGCB’s award of the license followed a thorough review process that took nearly four years. Stadium Casino had claimed that Lubert engaged in dubious arrangements related to his bid, igniting a legal dispute. However, both SC Gaming and the PGCB maintained their positions, culminating in the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the integrity of the process.
“The Gaming Control Board was confident in the legal manner in which it awarded the Category 4 license in College Township,” stated Harbach. “We appreciate the Supreme Court’s ruling, which allows this project to advance, generating tax revenue and creating job opportunities in the community.”
Mini-casinos have gained popularity in Pennsylvania, and Bally’s State College Casino will be the fifth to open since 2020. It will join the ranks of:
- Live! Casino Pittsburgh (November 2020)
- Hollywood Casino York (August 2021)
- Hollywood Casino Morgantown (December 2021)
- Parx Shippensburg (February 2023)
Bally’s State College Casino is poised to enhance the company’s online presence in Pennsylvania while contributing to the state’s growing gaming landscape.
Source : https://www.playpennsylvania.com/ballys-hints-2025-state-college-casino-construction-plans/
