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

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.”
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 Â
–Â Temperature check for guests and team members
–Â A new Safe + Sound Clean Team
–Â Increased quality of air circulation
–Â 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
Gambling in the USA
California Gambling Control Commission Advances Licensing, Tribal Partnerships, and Responsible Gaming Initiatives

Sacramento, CA — In a meeting packed with regulatory updates and licensing decisions, the California Gambling Control Commission (CGCC) convened on April 24 to advance numerous agenda items impacting the state’s gambling landscape—from tribal gaming approvals to responsible gambling programs and operator renewals.
Problem Gambling & Public Health Takes the Stage
The Commission meeting opened with a presentation by Sosha Marasigan-Quintero from the California Department of Public Health, offering an overview and update on the California Problem Gambling Treatment Services Program. While no specific staff recommendations were provided, the update underscores California’s continued focus on behavioral health in gambling.
Tribal Revenue Distribution Approved
The Commission approved the quarterly distribution of payments from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund to eligible recipient Indian Tribes. This routine, yet vital, procedure ensures the equitable distribution of revenue to support tribal sovereignty and infrastructure across the state.
Cardroom Licensing: Approvals and Extensions
Among key licensing matters:
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500 Club Casino (K & M Casinos, Inc.) received both initial and renewal owner-type license approvals through January 2027.
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Casino Chico, Hollywood Park Casino, and Lake Bowl Cardroom were granted renewals and short-term extensions, some with conditions such as improving record-keeping systems or ensuring regulatory compliance ahead of reopening.
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Hotel Del Rio & Casino was granted a 60-day extension under several strict conditions, including updated safety plans and the restatement of commingled financial records.
Key Employee Licensing Actions
The Commission approved several initial and renewal key employee licenses. Notably:
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Jeffrey Thompson was approved with a condition prohibiting involvement in illegal gambling activities.
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Kevin Lee and George Rahme received 120-day extensions for renewal processing.
Third-Party Proposition Player Services Under Scrutiny
The Commission approved both initial and temporary licenses for Fortune Players Group, Inc., with a lengthy list of conditions tied to the conduct of a former associate, Rene Medina. These conditions highlight the Commission’s ongoing vigilance in monitoring third-party player services and maintaining compliance across operations.
Progressive Gaming, LLC was also approved for an initial license, further expanding third-party service provider capacity.
Gaming Resource Suppliers & Tribal Approvals
Initial suitability findings for several prominent tribal gaming resource suppliers were approved, including:
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HCAL, LLC
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JCM Global
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Konami Gaming, Inc.
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PDS Gaming, LLC
Dozens of tribal gaming employees were also approved for key positions at tribal casinos across California, reflecting the Commission’s continued support of tribal gaming operations and the necessary workforce to support it.
Notable Withdrawals and Denials
In two notable cases, requests to withdraw license applications—Josephine Hoang and Jesus Bojorquez—were denied, signaling the Commission’s increased scrutiny and emphasis on applicant accountability.
A Broader Look Ahead
With regulatory reform on the horizon and ongoing efforts to promote responsible gaming, the April 2025 CGCC meeting showcased a mix of routine license management and deeper engagement with emerging compliance issues. As the Commission prepares for the next quarter, the groundwork laid in this session will likely influence policy developments and enforcement trends across California’s gambling sector.
Gambling in the USA
NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.
Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.
The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.
On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.
Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.â€
For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.â€
Gambling in the USA
Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.
“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,†said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.
The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.
“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,†said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.
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