Hard Rock considers two New York-area casinos
With three casino licences remaining for downstate New York, Hard Rock is considering the possibility of a casino just eight miles from its planned New Jersey venue.
US.- Although Hard Rock is moving forward with its plan to build a casino at Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey, the company is also interested in the possibility of a license just eight miles away in New York City.
Jim Allen, chairperson of the global gambling, entertainment and hospitality company owned by Florida’s Seminole Indian tribe, said that Hard Rock will submit an expression of interest to New York officials by the December 10 deadline.
New York has three remaining casino licences to award in the downstate region that includes New York City. According to Allen, Hard Rock has been planning a New York project ever since the possibility was announced seven years ago.
Allen said: “If God is good enough to allow us to operate in both, we would be happy to do so.”
In order to build at the Meadowlands, Hard Rock will need permission from New Jersey voters. They resoundingly rejected a plan in 2016 that would have authorised casinos outside Atlantic City, the only place in New Jersey where they are permitted, and where Hard Rock has operated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City since 2018.
Last week, the New York State Gaming Commission issued a call for expressions of interest in the three remaining casino licences. Other major casino companies, including Caesars Entertainment, Bally’s, Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts, have expressed interest.
Ralph Caputo, a Democratic New Jersey state assemblyman from northern New Jersey, said he doubts whether two Hard Rock projects could succeed so close to one another. However, he also noted the strong financial performance of the Meadowlands Racetrack.
