Hard Rock International, the global gaming and entertainment brand, announced that Hard Rock Casino Rockford will open its permanent location for visitors this summer. The venue has been operating from a temporary location at 610 N. Bell School Road since November 2021.

However, starting from August 29, 2024, Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s permanent venue at 7801 E. State Street in Rockford will welcome its first visitors. A grand opening ceremony will maintain Hard Rock’s tradition with a star-studded Guitar Smash.

The first visitors of the new gaming and entertainment destination in Rockford will be able to enter at around 3 PM on the same day the grand opening ceremony will be held. Hard Rock Casino Rockford is expected to offer a massive gaming, entertainment and hospitality space that surpasses 175,000 square feet.

Visitors of the premium gaming and entertainment venue can expect 50 live table games, a sportsbook, as well as a poker room. Unsurprisingly, the casino floor will offer a wide range of some of the most popular slot machines. Overall, there will be close to 1,300 slot machines, promising unforgettable experiences.

Besides gaming, visitors to the Hard Rock Casino Rockford can expect a wide range of amenities and attractions. The list includes a brand-new Hard Rock Live entertainment venue that uses 23,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 2,000 guests for different events such as concerts. Additionally, there will be a Rock Shop and several restaurants, among other entertainment outlets.

The Upcoming Opening Brings Excitement to Hard Rock’s Team

Geno Iafrate, Hard Rock Casino Rockford’s president, praised the efforts of the company’s members who supported it at its temporary site. Moreover, he said seeing new Hard Rock employees join the team at the permanent venue will be exciting. “It’s been 30 years in the making for Rockford and the wait is over. We are excited to welcome guests to our house to showcase and expand the legendary Hard Rock brand,” said Iafrate in conclusion.

“I’d like to thank the Rockford community and State of Illinois for welcoming Hard Rock and our unique brand of world-class entertainment to the greater region.“

Jon Lucas, chief operating officer at Hard Rock International

Jon Lucas, Hard Rock International’s chief operating officer, was just as delighted about the latest announcement. He thanked Illinois and the community in Rockford that accepted the arrival of the iconic Hard Rock brand.

Lucas spoke about the significant economic impact the new casino will bring by creating hundreds of new jobs. Additionally, the executive predicted that Hard Rock Casino Rockford will boost tourism in the area. Finally, Lucas said that it is exciting to see the new casino join Hard Rock’s growing portfolio of more than 300 venues across the globe.

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The American Gaming Association has published its latest Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, providing state-by-state and nationwide insight into the performance of the United States’ gambling industry. The August results suggest that the US gaming industry might be in for a third record-breaking year in a row.

As reported by the AGA, casino gambling industry revenue continued to grow, while gaming revenue as a whole increased by 4.9% in August. According to the association, this marks the 30th consecutive month of year-on-year growth.

Leveraging data from state regulators, the AGA concluded that the US gaming industry exceeded the $5 billion mark for the twelfth month in a row, sitting at $5.14 billion in August. The first eight months of the year, meanwhile, saw the industry accumulate revenue of $43.15 billion. This figure notably marks a 10.4% YOY increase.

Growth wasn’t universal, however. According to the report, 17 of the 33 states with commercial gambling markets saw their revenues increase. Meanwhile, six markets recorded marginally lower results. These included DC (-0.7%), Florida (-0.9%), Indiana (-1.2%), Iowa (-0.5%), Missouri (-0.3%) and Mississippi (-3.7%).

All Verticals Reported YOY Growth

The AGA also provided an insight into how the separate verticals fared. The association attributed the vast growth to the iGaming sector and pointed out that land-based gaming revenue growth has been experiencing a slight slowdown.

For reference, in August, land-based casinos and sportsbooks experienced a revenue increase of 0.8% year-on-year. Their online counterparts, meanwhile, saw their revenue skyrocket by 24.6% year-on-year. The AGA noted that Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Ohio were major growth drivers.

Traditional slots and table games are experiencing slower growth but are still responsible for much of the traditional casinos’ revenue. In August, these segments generated $4.06 billion in revenue, which represents a modest 1.1% YOY increase. Slot machines were responsible for almost three-quarters of that number.

During the first 8 months of the year, traditional slots and table games have generated $33.03 billion, surpassing last year’s figure for the same period by 3.3%.

The off-season period in professional sports, meanwhile, led to the usual decrease in revenue. Despite that, the figures exceeded the ones recorded in the summer of 2022, attesting to the increased interest in betting.

In total, sports betting handle for August was $6.67 billion, up 36.1% YOY. This translated into total revenue of $583.1 million, which is 21.2% higher than what the industry recorded in April 2022. This figure was bolstered by the recent launch of betting in additional states.

Through August, sports betting in the USA recorded revenue of $6.14 billion, a stellar 60.4% up YOY. Handle for the same period reached a whopping $68.23 billion. According to the AGA, these figures mean that betting handle is likely to surpass the $100 billion mark by the end of the year.

Finally, the AGA reported that the six states where online gambling is legal saw revenue from the vertical increase by 23.4% YOY to $495.8 million. Delaware was the only of the six markets that failed to report growth.

Through August, iGaming revenue reached $3.94 billion, representing a YOY increase of 22.7%.

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The gambling regulator in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), releases monthly reports revealing details regarding the performance of regulated gambling operators in the state. Such reports include insights regarding the total revenue generated from all forms of gambling, including slots, table games, online gambling, sports betting, video gaming terminals (VGTs) and fantasy contests.

Based on the latest report, released on Tuesday, August was a busy month for the gambling industry across Pennsylvania. Overall, the combined total revenue generated from all forms of gambling last month hit $457.2 million. This result, when compared to the corresponding period in 2022, marked an increase of 7.47%. Although the latest result shows an increase year-over-year, it was no match for the $467 million in total revenue posted by the gambling sector a month earlier, in July.

PGCB’s latest report reveals that during August, all forms of gambling activities managed to generate collectively $189.4 million in taxes. It’s no surprise that this result didn’t surpass the $192 million in taxes posted a month earlier.

iGaming Revenue Skyrockets in August

A breakdown provided by the gambling regulator reveals that revenue reported by online gambling activities last month soared. Overall, the iGaming slot revenue in August hit $105.3 million, a result that marks an increase of 39.03% year-over-year. Similarly, iGaming tables revenue soared, hitting $37.3 million. A comparison to the $28.7 million in iGaming tables revenue from last year shows that an increase of 29.76% is observed this year.

Despite the growth of iGaming slot and table games revenue, retail slots were responsible for the lion’s share of the proceeds last month. Overall, retail slots revenue hit $203.2 million in August this year, up by 0.95% when compared to August 2022. Retail tables revenue increased by 5.38% to $82.7 million last month.

In contrast to the positive results, sports betting revenue in August plummeted to $22 million. A year-over-year comparison to August 2022 when sports wagering revenue hit nearly $34 million shows that this year, a decrease of 35% is observed. Generally, there are fewer sports events taking place during the summer which is why this result doesn’t come as a surprise.

Another decrease in revenue was observed in iGaming poker. Overall, the revenue from the activity in August halted at $2.4 million, down 10.92% year-over-year. The revenue reported by VGTs last month sank by 5.40% to $3.5 million, while fantasy contests revenue decreased by 5.81% to $792,206.

The Majority of Gambling Operators Post Increase in Revenue

This August marked a successful month for the majority of gambling operators in Pennsylvania. Out of the nearly two dozen operators, only 7 posted a year-over-year decrease in their revenue.

Focusing on the positive results, Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin saw its revenue increase by 23.51% year-over-year to $2.1 million last month. A similar percentage of growth was observed with Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course’s revenue. Overall, the casino posted a revenue increase of 23.41% to $75.2 million this August.

Valley Forge Casino Resort saw its revenue increase by 14.34% to $48.8 million last month, while Wind Creek Bethlehem posted revenue of $47.1 million, up by 10.18% year-over-year. August was successful for Harrah’s Philadelphia as well, which posted a revenue increase of 12.75% to $19.7 million.

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August was a month of fortune for players of International Game Technology’s (IGT) legendary Megabucks and Powerbucks slot machines. With jackpots reaching over $10 million, these life-altering wins left players in awe. Such remarkable windfalls maintain August’s impressive jackpot streak and help secure IGT’s industry-leading position.

The Two Slots Delivered Life-Changing Experiences

IGT’s Megabucks and Powerbucks slots have been a staple in North American casinos, allowing players to earn significant prizes. Their ageless gameplay and reputation for high jackpots have made them a fan favorite, and the recent streak of high-profile wins should further bolster their fame. Here is a closer look at August’s lucky winners and their astonishing gains:

• 8 August – Megabucks Gold Forge: The month kicked off with a monumental win as a fortunate player secured a staggering $10,159,321. The winning spin occurred at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, adding another remarkable chapter to the legacy of Megabucks.
• 16 August – Megabucks Mega Vault: Another player struck gold eight days later, winning $3,278,372. The remarkable win occurred at the Konocti Vista Casino and Resort in Lakeport, California, demonstrating that Megabucks is not limited to Las Vegas when it comes to making dreams come true.
• 26 August 26 – Powerbucks Arctic Gems: The excitement continued online as an astute Powerbucks player from British Columbia, Canada, hit the jackpot. This fortunate person scooped an impressive CAD1,462,837 while playing Powerbucks Arctic Gems, a testament to the allure and rewarding potential of IGT’s Powerbucks slots.

The $10,159,321 8 August jackpot at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is particularly noteworthy. This colossal win stands as Nevada’s third-largest Megabucks slots jackpot this year. However, the sum pales compared to the top windfall of 2023. It was the city’s largest recorded jackpot, at a monumental $14,005,833 on 2 April at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno.

August Had Many Incredible Windfalls

IGT’s Powerbucks slots have gained immense popularity since their 2016 Canadian debut. With over 50 jackpots of $1 million or more since then, these games have consistently changed the lives of fortunate players. The August win of CAD1,462,837 further solidifies the game’s reputation, bolstering IGT’s regional presence. 

The Vegas-based gambling company was not the only operator awarding big jackpots in August. BetMGM also reported life-changing prizes. Since the start of the year, the company has awarded close to $75 million in progressive jackpots. These wins range across BetMGM’s impressive portfolio of 1,500 games, showcasing the value of a diverse and engaging portfolio.

August 2023 will go down as a remarkable month for North American jackpot winnings. IGT’s Megabucks and Powerbucks slots gave three lucky players a life-changing opportunity, highlighting the enduring appeal of these iconic games. Other high-profile wins in the gambling and lottery market built additional excitement, reinforcing the industry’s enduring appeal.

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Macau’s gaming market continues to show clear signs of recovery as the region’s industry posted a spectacular year-on-year growth of 686%. With China’s zero-COVID policy finally a thing of the past, the restrictions that weighed down on the industry have finally been lifted.

In August alone, Macau’s gaming industry reached a respectable $2.13 billion (converted to USD, current rates). While this result still lags behind the special administrative region’s pre-pandemic gaming levels, it marks a strong recovery that exceeds the expectations of many analysts.

The August 2023 results, for reference, were 29% lower than those recorded in August 2019.

Year-to-date revenue is up 295% at $14.11 billion, far exceeding the $3.58 billion Macau’s industry recorded for the same period in 2022.

In the meantime, Macau’s percentage growth in August was still lower than the outstanding 4,083% increase recorded in July 2023.

Macau’s Recovery Has Been Fluctuating

In June 2023, for reference, Macau posted revenue of $1.89 billion, with year-to-date reaching 54% of the pre-pandemic levels. While the zero-COVID policy is no more, its lasting impact continues to haunt the region. Despite everything, June was a favorable month, attracting many high-value players back to Macau.

The speed of Macau’s recovery has been fluctuating, making it difficult to make reliable predictions about the future. The overall trend is still overwhelmingly positive as the region continues to exceed the figures it recorded during the height of the pandemic. However, whether Macau will make a complete recovery or even exceed the pre-pandemic levels is yet to be seen.

During the pandemic, many of the Macau concessionaires demonstrated their trust in the recovery of the region, supporting their local arms with much-needed loans.

Macau’s Crackdown on Junkets also Impacts Its Performance

In the meantime, Macau recently curbed the influence of junket operators, resulting in a significant decline in their number. Prompted by the arrest and subsequent sentencing of Alvin Chau, Suncity’s former CEO, the crackdown brought the total number of Junkets from 200+ ten years ago to around 30 in 2023.

The VIP vertical in Macau brings around 15% of all revenues and from that total, junkets contribute 5% or less, MGM China’s president and COO, Hubert Wang, says. He also added that junket operators contribute as little as 3% of the revenues of MGM China’s profits.

In other news, Macau is now trialing iris check border controls. This has raised some eyebrows as experts believe that such controls might put off foreign tourists.

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The fifth edition of the event is going to reunite a number of prominent teams from the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, including Heroic, Astralis, and Fnatic. Those are some of the top-performing teams according to HLTV.org, a media specializing in the coverage of the video game’s competitive scene.

Bringing Quality CS:GO Events to Esports Fans

Pinnacle Cup V will see Pinnacle, the sports betting company hosting the iconic series, continue its data partnership with GRID, and expand its collaboration with Eden Esports on production. Pinnacle Cup will in the meantime remain a format where teams of different skill levels can still come forward and showcase their skills and abilities. Commenting on these developments, both companies expressed their excitement to be a part of the new format.

GRID Esports head of sponsorships Harry Wiggett said that by choosing to stick with his company, Pinnacle was securing access to top-class entertainment for CS:GO fans with data at the core. Wiggett added:

Pinnacle’s commitment to contribute to the esports scene’s sustainability is unparalleled, and the fact that we are working together on the Pinnacle Cup project for the third consecutive year is the best testimony to our shared values and aligned vision.

GRID Esports head of sponsorships Harry Wiggett

The format features a Play-In stage which will see participating teams play in a Swiss Stage format and then make it into the Playoffs.

Teams of Varying Levels Headed into the Pinnacle Crucible

The Swiss Stage will have teams such as Spirit, ECSTATIC, Aurora, and EYEBALLERS compete for a chance to progress further. The winning team of the event will secure the bulk of the $50,000 prize pool as they go along. Last year, Heroic emerged victorious in Lund, Sweden.

Pinnacle has made a commitment to bring the event to global audiences and the event will be streamed in both English and Russian via the company’s Twitch channels. There will also be a stream available on the company’s YouTube channel. Pinnacle is also one of the earliest adopters of esports betting solutions.

The company started offering esports bets way ahead of other sportsbooks and bookmakers in the markets. In the early days, Pinnacle was one of the very few companies to make this vertical profitable. This was owing to the company’s innate understanding of the segment.

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Hard Rock International, the gaming brand of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, announced today that its world-class entertainment is coming to the historic city of Deadwood in South Dakota.

Welcome Deadwood’s ‘Can’t Miss’ Property

The Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood, a boutique hotel and casino in the city of Deadwood, will have its grand opening on August 8, gathering Hard Rock International executives, local community members and civic leaders to celebrate the region’s newest economic driver.

Commenting on the announcement, Mayor of Deadwood, David Ruth, outlined the excitement in the city “notorious for entertaining guests since 1876” as everyone is thrilled to welcome the “newest, can’t miss property,” Rocksino by Hard Rock.

“Our rich, old West history combined with the Hard Rock brand will enhance the Deadwood experience that we are known for,” Ruth said, adamant that “the Rocksino by Hard Rock is sure to be an additional gem luring visitors” to the city’s amazing community.

Bringing everything the Hard Rock brand is popular with to Deadwood, albeit on a smaller scale, the Rocksino by Hard Rock will feature a boutique hotel, a casino with 86 new slot machines, a full-service restaurant, and a bar offering craft cocktails and delicious food, including Deadwood’s most loved pizza.

Provide Economic Stimulus to the City

Jon Lucas, chief operating officer of Hard Rock International, outlined Hard Rock’s pride from “being able  to provide authentic and memorable experiences… embodied by music and rich cultural history,” thrilled to have the opportunity “to become a part of one of the most celebrated historic places in the US and provide an economic stimulus to the city of Deadwood.”

Guests of Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood will be able to enjoy their meals on the Historic Patio featuring a wood fire grill, or inside, submerging into the atmosphere of the bar or the VIP mezzanine. Additionally, the Rock Shop Retail Store will present them with an opportunity to shop for custom Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood apparel.

True to its commitment to supporting local communities, Hard Rock will partner with Tunnel to Towers Foundation to bring relief to the eighth largest Native American Reservation in the US, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, under the tribe’s veterans program. Hard Rock would provide further details about its partnership with the foundation at the Grand Opening Guitar Smash at Outlaw Square, featuring headliner Sublime with Rome.

Just days ago, Hard Rock International received recognition from Deloitte and Wall Street Journal by winning the distinction of the best-managed company. The honor is issued on an annual basis to companies that have revenues of at least $250 million.

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