Atlantic City’s Hard Rock and Tropicana Casinos Eyes Sports Licenses
Hard Rock International and Tropicana Entertainment have both applied for sports licenses in New Jersey.
The two casino companies are both looking to open sportsbooks at their properties located in Atlantic City following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a ban on the activity.
Documents made public by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) revealed that both companies are seeking a “transactional waiver to commence sports pool and online sports pool operations”.
Hard Rock, which opened its rebranded Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City in June this year, announced last week that its future sportsbook would be powered by GIG and should open by the end of the year if their license is approved.
Tropicana Entertainment, however, has partnered with the US branch of British bookmaker William Hill for their future sportsbook.
Reports suggest that if both companies are successful, they will be presented with a waiver for six months while the full process of licensing continues.
Sports Betting in the United States
The news as more and more casino companies are launching their own sportsbooks. USBookmaking, sports betting tech firm, launched their very own sportsbook at the Santa Ana Star Casino in New Mexico this week even though sports betting remains banned in the state.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts announced a partnership with European mobile sportsbook company BetBull this month. According to the announcement, the agreement was reached so the two companies could “pursue sports betting opportunities in the emerging US market.”
Caesars Entertainment opened their own sportsbook in Las Vegas this month and MGM Resorts struck a deal with the United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), a Native American tribe, to offer sports betting in California whenever it becomes legal.
In addition, New Jersey has so far licensed eight sportsbooks after the Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year and more are expected to follow.