Securing a casino license
Hard Rock International announced on Thursday that it has successfully secured The Ritz Club’s casino premises license in London, England. As a result, the global hospitality and entertainment company now can now expand its gambling business into the city.
The company already has a portfolio in London, opening the Hard Rock Hotel London in 2019. The highly recognizable brand also has a presence in many other major cities, including Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris, and New York.
bringing our award-winning hospitality, gaming and entertainment to the birthplace of Hard Rock”
Speaking about obtaining the London casino premises license, Hard Rock International chairman Jim Allen said: “We look forward to expanding our brand offerings within London and bringing our award-winning hospitality, gaming and entertainment to the birthplace of Hard Rock.”
Shutdown of a famous club
The Ritz Club was a famous casino in London that first opened in 1998 in the basement of the Ritz Hotel. Over the years, it hosted many well-known figures, such as Bill Clinton, Johnny Depp, and Al Pacino.
The casino closed its doors on March 19, just before a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. In June, the club e-mailed all of its members, saying: “Regrettably, we now write to inform you that The Ritz Club is permanently closed and will not be re-opening.”
Continual expansion
Hard Rock International has been expanding across the world in recent years. Currently, it has 240 venues in 69 countries, encompassing locations that are licensed, owned, or managed Hard Rock Hotels, Casinos, Cafes, and Rock Shops.
The company, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, has many casino properties across North America, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida. The company also has properties in various stages of development in Ottawa, Indiana, and Illinois.
Last year, Hard Rock International launched a joint venture called Hard Rock Digital. The aim of this company is to get into retail and online sports betting, as well as iGaming. Notable industry veterans are a part of the venture, with former Stars Group CEO Rafi Ashkenazi set to come on board as executive chair and executive managing director in 2021.