The future of Hard Rock Atlantic City took another step toward clarity this past week when Hard Rock International announced its first partner for the casino’s online gaming platform.
According to a press release from Hard Rock AC, their online gaming partner will be Gaming Innovation Group Inc. (GiG), an international gaming group based in Malta and founded in 2012.
“Hard Rock has an ambitious plan to become a global leader in the international online gaming space,” said Kresimir Spajic, senior vice president of online gaming at Hard Rock. “We are confident that, together with GiG, we can disrupt the market, through product innovation and unique user experience.”
GiG “excited” to partner with Hard Rock
GiG’s portfolio includes a number of international partnerships. The Hard Rock AC deal is their first major partnership in the United States.
In the Hard Rock press release, GiG CEO Robin Reed noted the company’s enthusiasm about participating in Hard Rock’s hard-charging, innovative brand. Both companies have high hopes to make the new site one of the best gambling sites in New Jersey.
“We are excited to be part of Hard Rock International’s inspiring and innovative plans to become a global leader in the international online gaming space,” Reed said. “The online casino will be a stand-out product with the sizzle of the Hard Rock music, entertainment and lifestyle brand.”
Not many details about new NJ gambling site
The press release didn’t mention any specifics about the NJ online gambling site, aside from the standard adjective-laden descriptions of the future platform. Hard Rock described it as a “state-of-the-art” digital platform.
GiG will be in charge of both the consumer interface and the back end of the gaming software.
The company also started the application process for the Casino Service Industry Enterprise License, noting that this is the third regulated market in which they’ve participated.
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Hard Rock leading Atlantic City’s resurrection
The GiG announcement this past week was another sign that Hard Rock seems to be moving through their development plan quite easily, a welcomed relief for city and state regulators who’ve spent the past year and a half dealing with the likes of the combative Glenn Straub.
Hard Rock AC appears to handle their business with what seems to be the kind of class and professionalism expected from the brand. The forthcoming opening has been the standout example of Atlantic City’s rejuvenation. After several years of economic malaise, shuttered casinos, and a seemingly terminal run of bad luck, the casino keeps moving things forward.
The company’s $500 million renovation of the Trump Taj Mahal seems to have single-handedly exorcised the demons that plagued the Taj and the city as a whole.
The project will include a complete overhaul of every room as well as renovation of the vehicle turnaround at the casino’s entrance and the expansion of the property’s entertainment venues.
The original purchase price for the property was $375 million, putting the total price tag at around $875 million. According to Hard Rock, the renovation is employing 1,000 construction workers and will create 3,000 permanent jobs.