Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International’s new Atlantic City casino, spoke to reporters at the ritzy opening of the casino last week, squelching industry speculation by stating that sports betting, both land and online, is a huge part of the company’s plans.
Although there have been numerous reports that Hard Rock’s commercial connections with the NFL may prove to be an obstacle, Alan revealed at the press conference that they have had a number of questions over the last month or so regarding their ability to offer a sportsbook and that the answer is “yes”. He added that they are involved in the now world-famous Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida and are the host of the 100-year anniversary of the NFL and the 2020 Super Bowl.
Allen said that there are some restrictions in their agreement and they will not be able to set the bet, but are certainly able to partner with other companies and their goal for Atlantic City will be to partner with a provider or a platform provider.
He went on to say that the company’s Atlantic City operations would also offer sports betting at some stage and that Hard Rock will work within the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement guidelines, probably focusing on the mobile sector of the market.
Allen also said that Hard Rock could possibly be up and running by the time football season rolls in but that they obviously still do not know who Hard Rock’s sports betting partner(s) will be.
