Dignitaries including Governor Chris Christie, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian, Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen and Senate President Stephen Sweeney, as well as local representatives, gathered to learn more about the momentous opportunity the project will bring to Atlantic City.

The former Taj Mahal building will undergo an all-encompassing $375 million renovation and reopen in summer 2018. The upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is situated on 17-acres of prime Boardwalk real estate, offering vast views of the city and Atlantic Ocean.

The post Hard Rock unveils Atlantic City plans appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The Roll With Us campaign was created by agency 72andSunny New York for Hard Rock Bet, with support from Redline Media Group and Hard Rock Digital’s internal creative team. The first commercial as part of the campaign is  set to Ante Up (Robbin Hoodz Theory) by M.O.P. 

Post Malone stated on the collaboration: “It’s always a blast working with Hard Rock. It’s sports. It’s music. It’s entertainment. When Hard Rock Bet says ‘Roll With Us’ they mean it. They’re bringing everyone in. That’s what I’m all about.”

It comes following the release of Post Malone’s latest album F-1 Trillion as he continues to elevate his status as an artist through hitting the road on his album Tour.

Matt Primeaux, Executive Managing Director and President of Hard Rock Digital, commented: “Our message is simple — no matter who you are or how you play, we want you to Roll With Us at Hard Rock Bet. Just like our previous campaigns, it was important for us to have our players be able to see themselves represented in these spots, especially for those in Florida kicking off their first football season with legal sports betting and that have enthusiastically embraced our top-rated app. 

“For a brand that lives at the intersection of sports, music, and entertainment, Post Malone was the perfect partner for our campaign, providing an authentic representation of our Hard Rock ethos.”

The campaign will appear in major markets across the country, and include television, streaming TV, radio, streaming audio, social media and out-of-home activations. 

It continues a trend of operators tapping into the following of major ambassadors from the music sector in order to maximise their presence within the US market. 

Fellow music legend John Legend also recently featured in the Roll with Us campaign for Hard Rock, alongside Noah Kahan. 

Kahan stated: “I’m so honoured to be part of this Hard Rock effort and to have the opportunity to record my take on one of the greatest songs ever; I can’t wait for fans to hear it in the campaign.”

The post Post Malone ups the volume on Hard Rock Digital campaign  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As a result, this enhanced North American presence will see the NeoGames subsidiary take its suite of igaming titles to the recently launched Hard Rock Bet platform in New Jersey. This will include games from the supplier’s in-house studio, Wizard Games, via the Fusion aggregation offering.

Upon undertaking an initial launch within the Garden State in August, Hard Rock Digital reflected on an “important milestone” as the operator looks to deliver an elevated experience to online players.

Grant Williams, Senior Vice President of Casino at Hard Rock Digital, commented: “We’re thrilled to be adding Wizard Games’ expansive and innovative portfolio to our highly rated Hard Rock Bet platform in New Jersey. 

“With a huge selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options, Hard Rock Bet is entertaining our players like no one else can.”

Under the terms of the agreement, a range of slots, such as Dragons of the North, Spirit of Mustang, and Wolf Riches, will become available to players of Hard Rock Bet. 

The launch also further strengthens Wizard Games’ foothold in a key market, adding to several existing partnerships in New Jersey. The studio’s games are also live in other regions across the continent, including Michigan, West Virginia, Alberta, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada.

Tsachi Maimon, President and Head of iGaming at NeoGames, added: “New Jersey is an extremely important market for us, so we’re delighted to be growing further with Hard Rock Digital. 

“We’ve got a fantastic portfolio of high-quality content, and we’re looking forward to bringing our games to even more players through a fruitful partnership.”

Earlier in the month, NeoGames detailed pleasing progress towards achieving strategic goals through the third quarter, as the company continues to work towards finalising a merger with Aristocrat.

May’s proposal to purchase NeoGames came in at a price of £29.50 per share, valuing the group at $1.2bn to represent a 104 per cent premium on the value of the company’s shares in the three months ending May 12.

The post Pariplay swells presence in ‘extremely important’ New Jersey via Hard Rock appeared first on CasinoBeats.

This will see the operator’s revamped offering, which is charged with elevating the entertainment experience across both retail and online, house a raft of the igaming supplier’s content suite. 

Among these will be a selection of titles that have regularly been cited by Eilers-Fantini in their monthly online game performance report, which tracks igaming’s performance in the Garden State, as well as Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

“Hard Rock’s iconic brand and reputation combined with DWG’s high-performing content is a winning combination,” noted Troy Zurawski, DWG CEO.

“The partnership is a logical next step for both of us as we each look to further scale our presence in New Jersey. The Hard Rock team has nearly 50 years of experience providing world-class entertainment, so they know what to deliver to keep their players coming back for more. And our content is proven to do just that.”

Under the terms of the agreement, New Jersey-based Hard Rock players will gain titles such as Armadillo Artie Gone Wild and Tiger Palace. Additional content will also become available over the coming months, including DWG’s LuckyTap titles and Vegas-style steppers.

The Hard Rock Bet platform, which replaced the group’s rebranded sportsbook and online casino offerings earlier in the year, is hailed as representing an “important milestone” in the group’s ongoing quest to gain ground in the US’ digital arena.

“Our Hard Rock Bet online casino has been a hit so far in New Jersey with the addition of more casino games – hundreds more – to our all-new, easy-to-use app and web experiences,” stated Grant Williams, Hard Rock Digital SVP of Casino.

“We’re excited for the addition of DWG’s popular titles to our robust gaming portfolio and to continue adding more games each month to entertain our players like no one else can.”

The post DWG makes further inroads into New Jersey alongside Hard Rock appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The real estate investment trust has made the acquisition from an affiliate of 815 Entertainment, which has also entered into an initial lease that carries a 99-year term that begins at $8m and is subject to fixed annual escalators of two per cent. 

Furthermore, GLPI will also receive a right of first refusal on the building improvements of the Hard Rock Casino, if there is a future decision to sell them once completed.

The venue was the first to open following the state’s 2019 legislation to enact gaming expansion across the state. The $45bn ‘Rebuild Illinois’ action plan comprised the delivery of six new casinos complemented by a sports wagering introduction.

The November 2021 debut of the temporary facility included a space of over 37,000 square feet of gaming that offered more than 625 slots and Interblock electronic table games.

“Hard Rock’s incredible financial strength and development trajectory is only made stronger with great partners like GLPI and 815 Entertainment,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer for Hard Rock International. 

“We are really looking forward to opening another world-class entertainment property with Hard Rock Casino Rockford.”

In addition to the ground lease, GLPI has also committed to providing up to $150m of development funding via a senior secured delayed draw term loan, with any borrowings subject to a ten per cent interest rate.

The term loan has a draw period of up to one year and a maximum outstanding period of up to six years (five year initial term with a one year extension).

The Hard Rock Casino is expected to open in September 2024 and will consist of approximately 177,000 square feet featuring an approximate 60,000 square foot gaming floor.

This will initially feature 1,250 slot machines, 50 table games, and in-person and online sportsbooks. The project is currently under construction and features a total projected budget of approximately $358m, with approximately $120m spent to date.

“Our agreements with 815 Entertainment will allow GLPI to expand its footprint with the addition of a new ground lease, a new tenant, and a commitment to provide potential funding,” commented Peter Carlino, GLPI’s Chairman and CEO.

“We believe this is an attractive ground lease transaction for our shareholders as the strong initial results at 815 Entertainment’s temporary facility demonstrate the strength of the location and the depth of the market. 

“The Hard Rock brand is world renown and will support and solidify the new casino’s position as a tourist destination and entertainment venue. Hard Rock is the property manager and an equity investor in 815 Entertainment, bringing its world-class management team to the project. 

“The overall transaction structure makes $250m available to 815 Entertainment to invest in the project and reflects GLPI’s creativity in crafting a comprehensive construction financing solution. We look forward to our relationship with 815 Entertainment.”

The post Gaming and Leisure Properties pays $100m for land of Hard Rock Illinois appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The Hard Rock Bet platform, which replaced the group’s rebranded sportsbook and online casino offerings earlier in the year, is hailed as representing an “important milestone” in the group’s ongoing quest to gain ground in the US’ digital arena. 

“We’re excited to welcome Hard Rock Bet to New Jersey,” stated George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

“The Hard Rock Bet platform will provide our guests with an upgraded gaming experience both online and at our retail sportsbook, which will have a much broader selection of available bets, daily boosts, and promotions. 

“This new platform will allow us to better engage, entertain, and reward our guests with a best-in-class experience however and whenever they play.”

Hard Rock Bet’s proprietary casino, which is slated to house “hundreds” of slots table and live games dealer games, as well as exclusive titles, will sit alongside the company’s existing sportsbook within the Garden State.

The platform, currently available for sportsbook players in Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia, will also see players be able to take advantage of an overhauled rewards program. 

This offerings prizes across sports betting and igaming, and includes bonus play/bets, cash, Mystery Wheel spins and a Tesla. The tiered program will also be integrated with the group’s land-based offering.

“The launch of Hard Rock Bet in New Jersey marks an important milestone as we introduce an integrated product containing our new icasino platform alongside our highly rated sportsbook,” said Marlon Goldstein, CEO of Hard Rock Digital. 

“We are incredibly proud of these proprietary products and are excited to bring this elevated experience to New Jersey to entertain our players like no one else can.”

The post Hard Rock introduces revamped New Jersey online casino offering appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Celebrating the opening of the property, a ceremony took place on August 8 which featured a proclamation speech from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as well as leaders from the Seminole Tribe of Florida and South Dakota Sioux Tribes. 

“For years, historic Deadwood and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally have given countless individuals the opportunity to vacation and to enjoy the state of South Dakota,” Gov. Noem stated in her proclamation, which she read to a crowd of several thousand who gathered for the grand opening. 

“This new Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood will make those opportunities even better for years to come. In fact, as Governor of South Dakota, I am proclaiming today `Hard Rock Day’ across the entire state of South Dakota.”

The property, located in Deadwood South Dakota, features a casino with 86 slot machines, a full-service restaurant and bar as well as a shop with branded apparel. 

The Rocksino series of properties are made to be smaller than the usual resort-style hotel complexes that Hard Rock is more well known for, allowing the brand to enter smaller cities and states. 

“Hard Rock prides itself on being able to provide authentic and memorable experiences for our guests embodied by music and rich cultural history,” said Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International. 

“We are thrilled to become a part of one of the most celebrated historic places in the US and provide an economic stimulus to the city of Deadwood.”

At the ceremony, leaders of the Seminole and Sioux tribes exchanged gifts before an outdoor concert took place featuring chart-topping band Sublime with Rome. 

Also attending the event was Deadwood Mayor David Ruth, who was pleased that a Hard Rock property opened in his jurisdiction, bringing economic benefits with it.

“As a community famous for entertaining guests since 1876, Deadwood is excited to welcome Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood as our newest, can’t-miss property,” said Mayor Ruth. 

“Our rich, Old West history combined with the Hard Rock brand will enhance the Deadwood experience for which we are known for. 

“The Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood is sure to be an additional gem luring visitors to this amazing town.”

The post Rocksino by Hard Rock debuts in Deadwood South Dakota appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The regulator issued the green-light, via a sports wagering operator licence, was to 815 Entertainment, d/b/a Hard Rock Casino Rockford, while Hard Rock Digital was approved as a sports wagering management service provider.

The venue was the first to open following the state’s 2019 gaming expansion legislation, with the November 2021 debut comprising over 37,000 square feet of gaming space that offered more than 625 slots and Interblock electronic table games

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker rubber stamped a $45bn ‘Rebuild Illinois’ action plan in July 2019, with a significant gaming expansion that would deliver six new casinos complemented by sports wagering also getting its introduction.

Furthermore, the IGB noted that the gaming establishment “must comply with Illinois Gaming Board rules before sports wagering can be offered in person or online.”

In addition, Betway, via its Digital Gaming Corporation subsidiary, was also announced as the sole applicant for an online only sports betting licence, which will not be tethered to a casino, racetrack or sports venue.

DGC had previously applied for a licence during a first phase, but ultimately pulled out of the race. Re-entry comes after the Super Group finalised the purchase of the company earlier in the year.

The IGB also granted more than 233 new gaming licences and related approvals for casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering along with renewals. This included 109 video gaming locations.

“The board and staff continue their important work to implement the landmark gaming expansion law and regulate Illinois’ robust and evolving statewide gaming industry in an ethical, transparent, compliant, and efficient manner,” said IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter.

Illinois is home to 13 casinos, more than 8,400 licensed video gaming establishments and nine sportsbooks. Casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering generated more than $1.4bn in tax revenue to the state and local communities during the 2022 calendar year.

The post Hard Rock and Betway among latest Illinois Gaming Board approvals appeared first on CasinoBeats.

A selection of company representatives, elected officials and business and community leaders attended a ceremony as the curtain was pulled back on Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

This will comprise a casino with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, sportsbook, high-limit gaming and baccarat room, 150 room hotel, 1,800-seat theatre with standing room for 2,200 guests, a selection of food and beverage outlets and retail establishments.

Completion of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is planned for Spring 2025, with the current Rideau Carleton Casino to remain operational until the renovation and rebranding of the property is finalised.

“We are excited to be one step closer to bringing our iconic brand and rich music history to the people of Ottawa and the surrounding region,” commented Jon Lucas, Chief Operating Officer at Hard Rock International. 

“I wish to thank the provincial and municipal elected officials who helped us get here today. We are especially grateful to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario who have been incredibly supportive in helping make this possible. We appreciate our partnership with them.”

Construction is expected to create close to 1,900 direct and indirect employment opportunities, as well as “significant tax revenues” for the city of Ottawa, province of Ontario and federal government once fully operational.

Since the gaming site of Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock was added in February 2000, Ottawa has generated approximately $6m and over $9m in total payments.  An additional $1m plus per year has also been invested in local sponsorships and nonprofits.

“The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino represents a significant investment in the south end of our city. It will create new jobs and will build on the existing attraction at Rideau Carleton Casino,” stated Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa. 

“I know many residents of the city are looking forward to enjoying this space and it will also be another great addition as a tourist attraction in Ottawa.”

Furthermore, as part of the ceremony, Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock presented a $20,000 donation to Minwaashin Lodge, a local Indigenous women’s shelter.

“Nothing is more important to us than contributing to the economic and social well-being of our community,” noted Helen MacMillan, General Manager of Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock. 

“As we officially kick off our expansion today, we want to make it clear that as our facility grows, so too will our efforts to support local businesses and community organisations.”

The post Hard Rock one step closer to introducing ‘iconic brand’ to Ottawa appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Noting that “the time has finally come”, the ceremony for the future Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa will take place on Tuesday 6 June, 2023.

Hard Rock executives will be joined by elected officials, and business and community leaders to unveil new renderings and details on what is hailed as a “highly anticipated tourism and entertainment destination in the national capital”.

This will be held indoors at the live venue of the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino, operated by Hard Rock International and governed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.

The wider venue offers more than 1,200 slot machines and electronic table games, such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, as well as a VIP high limit gaming salon, numerous food and beverage outlets and live seasonal horse racing.

The ceremony, which vows to begin the development of “a unique and dynamic destination that will re-energize Ottawa’s entertainment scene,” will feature remarks by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and city officials, as well as representatives of the Seminole Tribe, Hard Rock and OLG.

In July 2022, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario penalised Hard Rock Ottawa C$227,250 for numerous breaches of the region’s standards for gaming at the Rideau Carleton Casino.

Among the 36 violations highlighted are advertising and marketing materials being distributed to self-excluded individuals and a failure to  implement, follow, and enforce required anti-money laundering policies and procedures.

In addition, it was discovered the operator failed to sufficiently protect gaming systems and data from security vulnerabilities, and had not ensured that staff completed necessary training in important areas.

The post Hard Rock to progress long-held Ottawa vision appeared first on CasinoBeats.