Hard Rock launches Hard Rock Digital NORTH AMERICA
Hard Rock has launched Hard Rock Digital as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and diversification of its portfolio in high-growth markets
Hard Rock Digital is a joint venture and will be the exclusive Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming (SGA) vehicle for interactive gaming and sports betting, globally.
US ONLINE GAMING
MICHIGAN – High 5 Games has been issued an online casino supplier licence by the Michigan Gaming Control Board. Michigan online casinos are expected to begin operation in early 2021 with High 5’s suite of casino games available on day one at Golden Nugget’s Michigan online casino.
Anthony Singer, CEO and founder of High 5 Games (pictured), commented: “Following years of success in New Jersey, choosing Golden Nugget as a key partner for our Michigan launch was a no-brainer.
"As a market leader with multiple Operator of the Year awards, the team at Golden Nugget knows how to deliver an incredible online casino experience. We’ve always loved working with them in New Jersey, and now that we’re ready to go with our Michigan licence, we’re thrilled to get to build upon that relationship.”
CANADA – Century Casinos will temporarily close its Canadian casinos and racetracks on December 12, 2020, to comply with quarantines issued by the Alberta government to contain the spread of COVID-19. The government mandate is expected to be reassessed in four weeks.
The operator stated: "The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly, and it currently appears that due to the pandemic’s current scope it will adversely impact the company at least through the first half of 2021."
NEVADA – Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is delaying its January 2021 opening due to COVID-19. Construction of the property remains on schedule, but owner JC Hospitality confirmed it is 'carefully evaluating' its opening date due to the pandemic.
JC Hospitality CEO Richard Bosworth said: "Due to the continuously evolving COVID-19 situation not only in Nevada but nationwide, we have made the decision to delay the Jan. 15, 2021 opening of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The construction for the project is on time and this decision was predicated on the current conditions in the market as it pertains to the pandemic. While the entire team at JC Hospitality is beyond excited to introduce the reimagined resort casino to locals and tourists alike, the safety and health of our guests, partners and team members continues to be our top priority. We encourage everyone to follow the guidelines put forth by public officials. At this time, an opening date has not been finalised, but an announcement is forthcoming.”
The new Virgin Hotels property is located at the previous Hard Rock Hotel site on Paradise Road. The propery had begun to accept reservations for part of the Curio Collection by Hilton and launched the “Us. Unstoppable." advertising campaign.
P20 NEWSWIRE / INTERACTIVE / MARKET DATA
Virginia's sports betting industry could bring in $412m
Virginia
Virginia's legal sportsbooks could earn as much as $412m annually, yielding $61.8m in tax revenue for the state of Virginia according to projections from
VirginiaCasinos.com.
Te projection forecasts 90 per cent of revenue coming from online wagering, with mobile sports betting apps bringing in $375m annually when Virginia's market reaches full maturity.
Virginia legalised sports betting in July 2020. Te Virginia Lottery regulates the state's sports wagering industry and will license up to 12 different online sportsbook brands. Te
state will tax sports betting revenue at 15 per cent. Te first of the state's legal sportsbooks could launch by early 2021.
Virginia's sports betting laws authorise both mobile and retail sports betting in the state. Te Virginia Lottery will award 12 mobile sports betting licences. Four of those licences are marked for online-only operators, which can conduct mobile sports betting without a partnership with a land-based casino. State voters approved the construction of four retail casinos in a November 2020 vote, and those four properties could apply for online sports betting licences. Richmond voters could approve a fifth land-based casino in the state capital. Like the online-only operators, retail casino sports betting apps would allow for wagering from anywhere in Virginia.
Hard Rock International has launched Hard Rock Digital as part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and diversification of its portfolio in high-growth markets. Hard Rock Digital is a joint venture with gaming industry veterans, and will be the exclusive Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming (SGA) vehicle for interactive gaming and sports betting, globally.
Hard Rock Digital will leverage HRI and SGA's extensive database of more than 130 million customers and footprint of nearly 250 land- based venues across 76 countries to provide an omni-channel offering for interactive gaming and sports betting.
Hard Rock Digital will be fully capitalised by SGA, HRI and its partners, providing full financial support and backing for this new joint venture. SGA maintains an investment-grade rating from both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
"With the launch of Hard Rock Digital, we are broadening our digital business which enhances consumer experiences and offerings across our interactive gaming and sportsbook offerings," said Jim Allen, Chairman of HRI. "Hard Rock Digital also intends to pursue strategic branding and distribution opportunities both within the U.S. and globally. In the U.S. alone, the potential future market size is estimated at $7 billion for sports betting and $14 billion for online gaming."
Hard Rock Digital will be managed by gaming industry leaders Rafi Ashkenazi, Executive Managing Director and Executive Chair, Marlon Goldstein, Executive Managing Director and CEO and Matt Primeaux, Executive Managing Director and President. Mr. Ashkenazi will join Hard Rock Digital in 2021 following a garden leave period. Prior to the formation of Hard Rock Digital, the executives were part of the leadership teams at businesses including Playtech, Te Stars Group, and FOX Bet.
Lousiana
Caesars Entertainment, parent company of Harrah's New Orleans, has shared plans to transform the property into Caesars New Orleans as part of a $325m renovation project that will significantly enhance the property, set to be completed by 2024.
Te plans, presented before the New Orleans Building Corporation, detail a large-scale renovation of Harrah's, the only land-based casino in New Orleans. Embracing the iconic Caesars brand, the project will create a new flagship resort, Caesars New Orleans, featuring the elegance and indulgence that has become Caesars' hallmark only steps from the famed French Quarter.
Preliminary plans include an all-new 340 room hotel tower above the existing casino valet porte cochère, a new culinary and hospitality offerings within the casino, additional development of the unoccupied area on the second floor of the casino, alongside full exterior and interior architectural and design enhancements.
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