Ritz Casino Obtains Hard Rock License
An elegant casino in Europe that could soon see a fresh start: The United States' gaming and entertainment corporation, Hard Rock International, has received a permit to revive The Ritz Club Casino in London. The casino was an integral part of The Ritz Hotel, functioning since 1998, but was closed down in May 2020 due to the pandemic. What does the new operator have in mind for this esteemed venue?
A casino apart from the Ritz Hotel?
Continuing its expansion in the UK, Hard Rock International aims to bring The Ritz Club Casino in London back to life. Located in London, the gambling giant, now residing in Florida, has not yet divulged any information regarding the exact spot where the facility will be operated. They have merely stated that the Ritz Casino license will enable them to establish a gaming establishment under the renowned name in the city.
Situated in the former ballroom of the iconic Ritz Hotel since 1998 and celebrated as one of European's premium casinos for years, The Ritz Club Casino met a rather unexpected end in May last year. Consequently of the countrywide lockdown and subsequent shutdown of all British casinos, the Ritz Club Casino permanently folded, resulting in job losses for all staff.
Showcasing their excitement about the granted license, Hard Rock's Chairman, Jim Allen, deemed the opportunity to significantly enhance the company's presence in London, where Hard Rock was founded. They are thrilled to introduce new iterations of their acclaimed gaming and entertainment offerings to the capital. Since 2009, Hard Rock already boasts representation threefold in the city, with its Hard Rock Café brand and a Hard Rock Hotel.
The Ritz Club Casino, renowned for its celebrity patrons, had been temporarily halted two weeks before the UK-wide lockdown. Upon releasing news of its shutdown, the reaction was swift. The establishment's management and staff expressed their disappointment, opining that there were no other options available. Employed at the Ritz Club Casino were luminaries such as Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, and even former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who also found refuge in the Ritz Hotel during her retirement.
The digital stage with Hard Rock Digital
The information about the Ritz Casino's license came right after Hard Rock entered into a partnership with ex-The Stars Group (TSG) executives to put its digital gambling business expansion into high gear. Rafi Ashkenazi, TSG's former CEO, is involved in the collaboration. Through the cooperation, Hard Rock and TSG aim to establish an extensive digital network of online sports betting and casinos.
Known as Hard Rock Digital, the joint venture will team up with Seminole Gaming, a Native American gaming company featuring more than 130 million customers and approximately 250 land-based gaming facilities in 76 countries. The collective leadership team of Hard Rock Digital constitutes Rafi Ashkenazi in the role of CEO, Marlon Goldstein as Co-Managing Director, who once acted as TSG's Chief Legal Officer (CLO), and Matt Primeaux, previously Senior Vice President of US Strategy and Operation at TSG, serving as Executive Managing Director and President. Their communicated goal is to boost the extent of Hard Rock's gaming and digital offering.
Hard Rock has been an established player in the booming digital arena with an app featuring blackjack and live slots. Hard Rock Digital's core focus is set to be sports betting and online casino games. According to Jim Allen, the anticipated market dimensions in the US amount to USD 7 billion for sports betting and a whopping USD 14 billion for online casinos. The ambition is to lead the charge far and wide in both segments.
Hard Rock Digital headquarters in Florida, global reach
The administrative base of Hard Rock Digital is slated to be situated in Florida as well. Reflecting on their partner selection, Ashkenazi underscored Hard Rock's status as a vanguard in the gaming, hospitality, and entertainment industry. They are eager to supply a cohesive, multi-channel digital offering to Hard Rock's vast international fan base.
Alongside the digital offerings, Hard Rock is also present in the iGaming and betting scene in New Jersey and Iowa. In addition, strategic alliances have been formed with online casino providers Gaming Innovation Group (GIG) and Scientific Games. In November, Hard Rock's online casino offering generated a handsome USD 6.3 million in New Jersey.
Grabbing opportunities beyond the US borders
According to Hard Rock Digital’s CEO, Goldstein, the goal is to bring Hard Rock’s gaming experience and digital offerings to the forefront of worldwide gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. With established bases in the US and a joint venture with the well-connected Seminole Gaming, they anticipate broadening the reach of their current, novel platform. By combining the capabilities of Hard Rock with Seminole Gaming’s resonance among a vast gaming fan base, the recently-launched company aims to deliver an authentically omnichannel digital experience to a global audience.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
