Gambling in the USA

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City To Re-Open With ‘Safe + Sound’ Program And Clean Team

Published

4 years ago

June 17, 2020

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City Pledges Bonuses for Over 2,000 Team Members

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City announced today that the property will reopen under new and thorough ‘Safe + Sound’ program guidelines to help ensure good clean fun at the resort destination.

“Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming have made a tremendous commitment to sanitary protocols and a safety-first mentality for both guests and team members,” said Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International. “We are making sure our resorts are safe and sound so our guests and team members have peace of mind when they return.”

The ‘Safe + Sound’ Reopening Plan and Protocols have been developed in accordance with guidelines provided by Hard Rock International and adopts the Atlantic City Casino Industry’s Summary Plan of Proposed Reopening Protocols in effort to take a responsible and conservative approach in providing a safe, secure and fun environment.

“We look forward to welcoming back our loyal guests and team members for an exciting summer at the Jersey Shore. Our top priority over the last several months was diligently developing new ‘Safe + Sound’ protocols ensuring a comfortable environment to stay, play and work. Included in those protocols is the requirement for all to wear masks and have their temperature scanned with thermal imaging technology before entering the property,” said Joe Lupo, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “Creating the ‘Safe + Sound’ protocols, implementing detailed training programs and carefully cleaning the property will provide the most thorough and responsible approach in Atlantic City, providing good clean fun for all.”

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The ‘Safe + Sound’ program adheres to the directives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

Key Highlights

– Mandated masks for guests and team members
– Temperature check for guests and team members
– A new Safe + Sound Clean Team
– Increased quality of air circulation
– AtlantiCare partnership focused on contact tracing, training, telehealth and more

Safe + Sound guidelines and property updates include:

Personal Protection Guidelines

All guests and team members will be required to wear masks or cloth face coverings that meet CDC guidelines, except when eating or drinking. Masks will be provided to guests, as needed.
Appropriate social distancing requirements in gaming and non-gaming areas will be required and enforced by all team members, which will include over 750 signs posted throughout the complex to help ensure adherence to ‘Safe + Sound’ Program guidelines.
Over 200 hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed in all high-traffic, high-visibility areas such as key guest and team member entrances and contact areas such as valet, porte cochere, reception areas, hotel lobby, casino floor, restaurant entrances, meeting and convention spaces, elevator landings, pools, and exercise areas.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging provided by CERTIFY’s SnapXT will take the temperature of all guests and team members entering the property.
Points of entry will be limited to allow the Security Team to conduct temperature screenings. Those who display a temperature of 100.4°F or greater will be escorted to a designated area for a secondary temporal temperature screening. Those have a temperature of 100.4°F or greater will not be authorized entry to the property.
The Hard Rock Atlantic City Security Team will be specially trained and responsible for all temperature checks, monitoring entrances/exits, reminding guests and team members of social distancing requirements, managing line queueing, and distributing PPE as well as ensuring that everyone is following the required PPE protocols.

Safe + Sound Clean Team

More than 100 team members will be part the ‘Safe + Sound’ Clean Team to focus on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces throughout the complex, with special emphasis on high-touch surfaces and common areas. They will be clearly visible with a lime green uniform stating, “Clean Team.”
The team will focus especially on the deep cleaning of all gaming surfaces, chips, hotel rooms, restaurants, pool and public areas.
A designated member from each department will meet with the ‘Safe + Sound’ Committee weekly to proactively monitor, communicate and enhance protocols.

Property & Gaming Changes

The property has purchased over 1,000 new air filters that are frequently changed out in common areas throughout the building, with 100% outside air flow into the building which increases the quality of air circulation.
The air quantity within Hard Rock Atlantic City provides approximately 10 to 12 air changes per hour, maximizing the exchange of fresh air.
The property is working closely with AtlantiCare to provide a more thorough and responsible approach in COVID-19 related matters, including contact tracing, training, telehealth and more.
The hotel will follow thorough and upgraded cleaning guidelines that includes frequent disinfecting of high touch areas as instructed by the CDC, WHO and local officials to ensure good clean fun.
Plexiglass will be installed in the following areas: Front Desk, Cage, Wildcard Services, Sportsbook, Box Office and select Table Games.
Guests or related guests will be required to adhere to one vacant position between slot machines and table games played unless related or together in a group. Limited occupancy based on game will take place to allow for social distancing.
There will be a reduction in guest capacity throughout the casino that will be posted at each venue.
Due to occupancy restrictions, guests must be 21+ to visit Hard Rock Atlantic City unless they have a hotel or restaurant reservation.
Shows will remain dark and the Fresh Harvest Buffet will remain closed until further notice.

Team Member Protocols

All team members will receive general health and hygiene training on COVID-19 sanitization protocols followed by a comprehensive position-specific training of their new Standard Operating Procedures.
All team members will be required to complete a health questionnaire, prior to returning to work and before entering the property daily.
Protective equipment will be provided to team members whose responsibilities require them as determined by health officials.
A ‘Safe + Sound’ Committee has been created to oversee compliance of sanitization, social distancing, and reopening protocols.
Team members will go through thorough training and will enforce and communicate required CDC guidelines.

Food & Beverage

Restaurants will have limited occupancy to enforce social distancing guidelines.
Restaurant venues including Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, Il Mulino, Hard Rock Cafe, Youyu Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory, Flavor Tour and White House Subs will be open with social distancing requirements in place.
Upon reopening, Hard Rock Atlantic City Beach Bar will open at 11 a.m. daily and Hard Rock Cafe and Sugar Factory will both offer outdoor dining options.

SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

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Gambling in the USA

Atlantic City Casinos Help Raise $280,000 at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Walk on the Atlantic City Boardwalk

Published

15 hours ago

September 18, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) has participated in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s “Out of the Darkness Community Walk,” on Saturday, September 7, which raised more than $280,000. Led by team members from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, employees from every casino property participated in Saturday’s walk.

“We are so very proud that every Atlantic City casino property has united with Hard Rock to raise awareness and funding for this important cause. We are extremely grateful that our efforts will help to make a difference in the lives of many and aid the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s with life-saving initiatives,” said Mike Sampson, General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & AFSP NJ Chapter Board Member.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the first Atlantic City casino to participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk over the last five years through Sampson’s leadership. The team at Hard Rock was driven to participate annually after the group’s personal experiences with loved ones who died by suicide.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US. In 2022, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide. In New Jersey, suicide is impacting the state’s youngest residents. According to the most recent CDC data, 94 youth ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death among youth in that age range for the state. The National Institute of Health reports 20% of children ages 3 to 17 have either a mental or a behavioral disorder. Between 2008 and 2020, suicide rates for children ages 12 to 17 increased by 16%, according to the institute.

“This show of force from across our casino properties demonstrates the industry’s commitment to this vital issue. Sadly, so many families across our city, state and country know a loved one that has died by suicide, and that is why it’s so important for us to come together to raise awareness and support each other,” said Mark Giannantonio, president of the Casino Association of New Jersey.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

“We are honored and grateful for the continued partnership with Hard Rock in the fight to prevent suicide and reduce the stigma around mental health. With their support, the Atlantic-Cape Walk has grown to be the Chapter’s largest walk, raising $7000 in 2017 to over $278,000 last year. Through Hard Rock’s leadership we have been able to engage the communities of Atlantic and Cape Counties to raise awareness, bring comfort to those who have lost someone to suicide and to raise critical funds for suicide prevention,” said Michael Lamma, AFSP Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.

Gambling in the USA

Bally’s Withdraws from Nittany Mall Casino Project

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2024

Niji Narayan

Bally’s and SC Gaming announced the termination of their agreement to open and operate a Category 4 satellite casino near Penn State University at the Nittany Mall. Despite the split, the project remains on track to open in the first half of 2026.

The decision comes three years after the two companies agreed to develop a “mini casino” in what was previously a Macy’s department store at the Nittany Mall, located just five miles from Penn State’s campus. Originally, Bally’s wasn’t eligible to bid on the license when the auction was held four years ago. Ira Lubert, the sole owner of SC Gaming, was eligible due to his stake in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, won the bid, and later partnered with Bally’s. The plan was that the gaming venue would bear Bally’s regional casino operator brand.

However, amidst Bally’s shifting corporate priorities, the agreement fell through. Lubert has made it clear to state regulators that he has the financial resources to advance the project on his own.

“As a part of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s application and approval process, I demonstrated to the Board my resources and capability to independently develop and operate this casino project without reliance on a third party, including Bally’s,” Lubert said in a statement.

Lubert’s experience includes the development of the Valley Forge Casino Resort during the global financial crisis, and he holds a 3% stake in Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.

When Bally’s and SC Gaming decided to team up on the Pennsylvania mini casino three years ago, the project aligned with Bally’s prior ventures. Since then, however, Bally’s has rapidly shifted its focus toward larger, more expensive developments in major cities. The company’s new priorities include developing a permanent gaming venue in Chicago, which will be its most expensive project to date. Additionally, Bally’s is pursuing a license in the New York City area and still holds the operating rights for Tropicana Las Vegas.

While the future of the Tropicana site remains uncertain and there are no guarantees Bally’s will secure a downstate permit in New York, the Chicago venture alone demands significant attention. This suggests that shedding smaller projects, such as the Pennsylvania mini casino, could be a prudent move at this time.

In July, Bally’s agreed to be acquired by Standard General, the hedge fund that is the gaming company’s largest shareholder. This development wasn’t on the table three years ago when Bally’s agreed to work with SC Gaming on the Nittany Mall casino.

Prior to accepting the takeover offer from Standard General, some shareholders criticized Bally’s for becoming financially strained and focusing too heavily on expensive projects in Chicago, Las Vegas, and New York. Some investors argued that abandoning some or all of these projects could lead to cost savings.

Although specific cost efficiencies from exiting the Pennsylvania mini casino partnership weren’t quantified, the move aligns with Bally’s new vision. With Chairman Soo Kim, the founder of Standard General, likely taking a larger day-to-day role in Bally’s operations, more cost-cutting measures may follow, but that remains to be seen. It is clear, however, that the Nittany Mall casino didn’t fit with Bally’s renewed strategic goals.

“The termination of the framework agreement aligns with Bally’s long-term strategic goals and allows the company to allocate resources towards other priorities. Bally’s remains confident in its ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing market,” the company said in a press release.

Gambling in the USA

Apache Lonestar Casino Announces Expansion of its facilities

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Niji Narayan

Apache Lonestar Casino, a premier gaming destination in Devol, Oklahoma, announced an expansion of its facilities, set to enhance the gaming and dining experience for its guests. The expansion, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, will add more than 2000 square feet of gaming space and introduce additional seating, family dining and new menu options at the popular Lonestar Bar & Grill.

Expanded Gaming Space
The additional 2000+ square feet of gaming space will allow Apache Lonestar Casino to accommodate more gaming options, further solidifying its position as a top-tier entertainment destination in the greater Wichita Falls area. With the current offering of 611 slot machines, 6 blackjack tables, the expansion will introduce new games including Texas Hold ’em ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.

“Our goal has always been to provide our guests with an exceptional experience. This expansion reflects our commitment to continually improving our offerings and providing more variety and excitement for our guests,” said Kristopher Killsfirst Sr., Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino LLC.

Enhanced Dining at Lonestar Bar & Grill
In addition to the gaming floor expansion, Apache Lonestar Casino is enhancing the dining experience at Lonestar Bar & Grill. The popular restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, will see an increase in seating capacity and family friendly seating. The menu will be expanded to include a wider variety of dishes, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

“The Lonestar Bar & Grill has quickly become a favorite among our guests, and we’re excited to offer even more with this expansion. The additional seating and menu options will ensure that our guests can enjoy a great meal as part of their visit to Apache Lonestar Casino,” said Michael Spell, General Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino.