Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, a leading gaming and entertainment resort owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, once again surpassed $1 billion in awarded jackpots. 2024 marks the fourth consecutive year the casino surpasses $1 billion in jackpots and the latest achievement comes after recently a loyalty member secured a jackpot of nearly $6,000.

The $5,984 triumph came on June 12 at 11:25 AM. Thanks to the win of the lucky player from Mechanicsburg, Ohio, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood surpassed the billion-dollar mark in awarded jackpots for the year.

A Jackpot Drops on Every 47 Seconds

So far this year, the property has awarded more than 346,492 jackpots with the average jackpot size being $3,340.99. Considering the number of jackpots, a grand prize is won every 47 seconds, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood reveals.

The largest jackpot for 2024 is $1.4 million. A fortunate player secured the hefty prize back in April.

Focusing on the bigger picture, the casino resort continues to award millions in jackpots every month. The total awarded jackpots since 2021 have now surpassed the mind-blowing $6 billion.

Players at Hard Rock Casino Hollywood can find the first-ever Dragon Link $1 million Grand Progressive slots. Since the launch of the fan-favorite games back in 2021, 15 fortunate players have secured jackpots of $1 million or more.

Guests at the premium hotel casino can also enjoy hits such as Dollar Storm Mega Grand Link, Huff & Even More Puff, as well as Journey to the Planet Moolah, among other popular slot games.

Currently, Hard Rock Casino Hollywood offers more than 2,500 of some of the most popular slot games. The casino’s 150,000-square-foot gaming floor is also home to 20 live roulette tables and 10 live craps tables. Visitors of the casino can also enjoy a non-smoking room, among other amenities.

“For the fourth consecutive year, we have awarded more than $1 billion in jackpots.“

Bo Guidry, president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood

Bo Guidry, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood’s president, revealed that 2024 marks the fourth year in a row the casino surpasses $1 billion in awarded jackpots. He said that an ongoing goal for the premium gaming and entertainment venue is to deliver unique and unforgettable customer experiences.

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Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming have bolstered their commitment to combat human trafficking. To that end, the parties introduced new support tools for victims and at-risk individuals. In addition to that, the companies introduced a new youth education program, as well as special employee training. Finally, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming announced that they will work with new community partners to increase their impact.

The move is in line with Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming’s continued efforts to increase awareness of the risks of human trafficking and prevent it as a whole. These efforts included the training of over 27,000 hotel and casino team members across the companies’ properties, as well as collaborations with community partners and advocacy groups.

The efforts will continue in 2024 as Hard Rock seeks to provide direct support to victims, survivors and at-risk youth.

Jim Allen, the chief executive officer of Seminole Gaming and chair of Hard Rock International, commented on the matter, saying:

We are deeply committed to the work our community partners provide for those at risk, victims and survivors of human trafficking in the United States and around the world, as we work together to combat human trafficking.

Jim Allen, CEO, Seminole Gaming

Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming Are Planning Several Initiatives

In 2024, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will continue their efforts in the war on human trafficking, introducing a variety of new programs.

One of these programs is the Twentyfour-Seven QR Code, which provides information and support to those who need it. In addition, the code deters traffickers from targeting individuals on member properties. Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will become the first hospitality brands to globally implement the Twentyfour-Seven sticker across 44 hotels and casinos across 13 countries.

Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will also expand their youth education in classrooms across Mexico, teaching students to recognize the red flags and avoid online luring. The content provided to thousands of students across the country has been created in partnership with experts from PACT-, ECPAT-Mexico and EduNetwork Partners.

The Hard Rock Social Identity Quest, on the other hand, has so far been adopted and taught by 60,000 teachers in 45 US states, reaching 1.2 million high schoolers.

In addition, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will continue to fund community partners through their Change for Change program, which raises funds to combat human trafficking. Hard Rock property visitors will have the opportunity to donate change to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation where 100% of the funds will benefit PACT and Twentyfour-Seven.

Furthermore, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will continue the Youth Employment Program, which seeks to protect young people escape a life of trafficking by helping them forge careers in hospitality. This program also has a number of partners, including Covenant House New York City and FLITE Center.

Finally, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will work hard to set a new standard for training in the gaming industry. To that end, the companies will team up with the American Gaming Association’s Anti-Human Trafficking Risk Force. The AGA will provide Hard Rock employees with the training they need to recognize signs that trafficking may occur and step in.

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Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has called on the state Supreme Court to dismiss a case challenging the legality of digital sports betting, arguing that it does not fall under the state constitution’s definition of casino gambling. The case, initiated by West Flagler and Associates (WFA), challenges the 2021 compact between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Seminoles, extending the tribe’s monopoly to encompass sports betting and casinos.

Key Grounds for Dismissal in West Flagler’s Sports Betting Case

Moody’s 65-page response, filed just minutes before the deadline, outlines several reasons for dismissal. Notably, it asserts that WFA’s delayed filing, more than two years after the compact approval, is grounds for denial. The response also argues that WFA’s relief-seeking through a “quo warranto” filing is inappropriate, emphasizing that sports betting does not fit the definition of a casino game.

WFA’s contention revolves around the alleged overreach of powers by Gov. DeSantis and the state legislature in approving the compact, claiming a violation of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 

The lawsuit further asserts that the monopoly granted to the Seminoles and the hub-and-spoke model for online sports betting infringe on federal regulations. Additionally, WFA argues that any gaming expansion should be subjected to a public vote.

The gambling agreement of 2021, in addition to granting the Seminoles authority over sports betting, permitted the tribe to introduce craps and roulette at its casino establishments. Furthermore, the agreement envisages the potential addition of three casinos on tribal land in Broward County for the Seminoles.

WFA’s SCOTUS Appeal Clashes with Seminole Tribe’s App Relaunch

In October, WFA petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in an attempt to challenge the exclusive rights granted to the Seminole Tribe by Gov. Ron DeSantis, following its failure in the federal court. 

Meanwhile, the Seminole Tribe has quietly relaunched its Hard Rock Bets mobile app, allowing sports betting for existing registrants and Unity loyalty program members in Florida, despite the ongoing legal challenges. 

While the tribe plans to introduce in-person betting at three South Florida casinos on December 7, opponents, including West Flagler Associates, continue to contest the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive sports betting rights. 

Despite the legal complexities, both WFA and the Seminoles share the common goal of expanding legal sports betting options for Floridians. WFA’s strategy has shifted to pursuing relief through federal courts, with plans to file a case with the US Supreme Court. The court granted an extension until February for WFA to submit its case.

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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the premium casino, entertainment and leisure destination in South Florida, awarded more than $1 billion in jackpots in both 2021 and 2022. The venue offers a massive 150,000-square-foot gaming floor that is home to 2,700 of the most popular slots. Additionally, Seminole Hard Rock also offers electronic craps and roulette, video poker and amenities for non-smokers.

As a premium casino and entertainment destination, the venue continues to attract plenty of visitors and lucky ones go home with hefty jackpots. Now, a report released by CDC Gaming suggests that halfway through the year, Seminole Hard Rock has already surpassed the billion-dollar mark for jackpots paid.

A lucky visitor from Fort Worth, Texas, secured a $13,100 jackpot via the Dragon Link slot game on July 7, 2023. This marked a milestone moment as it surpassed the $1 billion-dollar mark for jackpots paid by the venue, marking a third year in a row for this particular achievement.

As more jackpots drop at Seminole Hard Rock, the venue is getting closer to having 323,000 jackpots for 2023 so far. Given the jackpots that dropped this year and the ones from 2022 and 2021, more than $4 billion were awarded so far and that amount is only going to grow further by the end of the year. Yet, it remains to be seen if the venue would be able to surpass $2 billion in jackpots for this year.

Jackpots Continue to Drop at Seminole Hard Rock

Bo Guidry, Seminole Hard Rock’s president, explained that the continuously dropping jackpots reaffirm the venues’ commitment to delivering supreme experiences. “We pride ourselves on providing guests an experience unlike any other right here in sunny South Florida,” he said.

“Awarding more than $1 billion in jackpots three years in a row showcases that we are all about the guest experience first and foremost.“

Bo Guidry, president at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Late in June, one lucky visitor of Seminole Hard Rock secured a significant jackpot while playing on Aristocrat Gaming’s Dragon Link slot machine. The lucky man from Marco Island, Florida, hit a $1,042,996.95 jackpot from the Dragon Link slot game after placing a $50 wager. The win came after earlier last month, another lucky visitor from Naples, Florida was able to hit a $1.2 million jackpot with a $25 bet.

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Seminole Hard Rock strengthened its C-suite upon announcing a new executive-level appointment. The company revealed that it has selected Vincent Zahn for the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) at Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International (HRI). Joining the C-suite, he brings significant experience within the gambling vertical. In his new role as executive vice president and CFO at HRI and Seminole Gaming, Zahn will oversee strategic processes related to financial analysis and planning.

Additionally, he will oversee accounting, treasury, corporate finance, as well as risk management for HRI. Zahn’s responsibilities will include managing different enterprises under Seminole Gaming and contributing toward growth processes related to strategic development. As executive vice president and CFO, Zahn will report directly to HRI’s chairman and Seminole Gaming’s CEO, Jim Allen.

Overall, Zahn brings more than a decade of experience within different companies from the gambling vertical. Most recently, he held the role of senior vice president and treasurer at the globally recognizable gaming and entertainment company, Wynn Resorts. Zahn held the aforementioned role from 2019 through 2022.

Additionally, his professional tenure includes senior-level roles related to risk management, treasury, capital markets, investor relations and strategic development with different public gaming entertainment companies. Although his career started within the financial sector on Wall Street, Zahn quickly accumulated a wide range of knowledge and experience, which is undoubtedly going to help him in his new endeavor.

Zahn Is the Perfect Fit for the New Dual Role

The announcement comes after recently, Hard Rock confirmed its plans to open Hard Rock Casino Rockford at some point in the late summer of next year. The new location secured approval from the Illinois Gaming Board to extend its operations through November 9, 2024. It is expected to offer some 1,300 electronic gaming machines along with 44 live table games and six live poker tables.

“Vincent’s expertise and background in casino gaming and financial markets make him an invaluable asset to the global growth of our organization. We are excited to welcome him to the leadership team.“

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO at Seminole Gaming

Jim Allen, HRI’s chairman and Seminole Gaming’s CEO, welcomed Zahn to the C-suite. He explained that Zahn brings extensive experience within the financial vertical and casino industry, making him the perfect fit for the new roles. Finally, Allen said that the company is delighted to see an expert with the ranks of Zahn join the senior-level management.

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A fortunate resident from Marco Island, Florida, hit the jackpot on a Dragon Link slot machine at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, walking away with a life-changing payout of $1 million. The winner, whose identity remains undisclosed, placed a $50 bet that turned into a staggering $1,042,996 windfall. 

Dragon Link Slot Game Strikes Gold Twice in June at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

This recent win marks the second time in the month of June that a player has struck gold on a Dragon Link slot game. Just a couple of weeks prior, a Naples resident secured a remarkable $1,216,720 on a $25 bet, further fueling the excitement and buzz surrounding the popular gaming machines.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has proven to be a hotspot for winning big, with players raking in jackpots exceeding $1 billion in both 2021 and 2022. 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood achieved a remarkable feat by paying out a record-breaking $1.2 billion in slot machine jackpots in 2021, despite the challenges posed by lockdowns and reduced consumer turnout. With an average jackpot value of $3,000 and the highest payout reaching $900,000, the casino celebrated hitting the $1 billion mark in November.

The expansive gaming floor of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood spans an impressive 150,000 square feet and boasts a wide selection of over 2,700 popular slots. Among the offerings are engaging video poker machines, electronic roulette, electronic craps, and a dedicated non-smoking area, catering to a diverse range of gambling preferences.

The casino’s reputation for delivering thrilling gaming experiences and substantial rewards has attracted players from across the state.

Dragon Link: A Hit Slot Game with Global Success and Player Satisfaction

The Dragon Link slot game, developed by Aristocrat Gaming, has gained a loyal following for its captivating gameplay and the potential for life-changing wins. The game features a progressive jackpot that accumulates with every bet until it reaches a substantial sum, ready to be claimed by a fortunate player. 

While the chances of hitting a million-dollar jackpot are slim, the allure of the Dragon Link slot game continues to draw in gambling enthusiasts. With each spin of the reels, players are filled with excitement and anticipation, dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime moment when luck is on their side.In July 2022, Aristocrat introduced its Dragon Link slot game at the Solaire Resort & Casino in Manila, with plans to expand its availability throughout Asia. The game has performed exceptionally well in various markets, exceeding expectations and providing a pleasing gaming experience for players.

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Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa unveiled a new senior-level appointment, strengthening its leadership team by hiring an expert with nearly two decades of experience within the gambling vertical. The venue confirmed Friday it selected Albert Geldres, a seasoned gambling industry veteran, for the role of vice president, slot operations.

In his new role, Geldres is expected to deliver strategic guidance and advice for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Overall, he has more than 17 years of experience in the sector, which undoubtedly makes him the perfect fit for the role of vice president, slot operations at the popular venue.

Raised in the Metro Detroit area, Geldres received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Additionally, he holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Although Geldres currently lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with his family, he is currently in the process of relocating to Tampa, in light of his recent appointment.

Geldres Brings Extensive Experience

Geldres’ lengthy career began at Caesars Entertainment. His first steps into the gaming vertical were as a P&A analyst for the company’s Horseshoe property in Hammond, Indiana. It didn’t take long before Geldres accumulated experience and started holding senior-level roles. His tenure with Caesars Entertainment includes a director of slot operations role for the aforementioned property. While with the company, Geldres oversaw a significant $485 million expansion of its property back in 2008.

The gaming industry veteran’s professional experience includes a vice president of slots role with Rush Street Gaming. At the time, he was a part of the company’s Rivers Casino located in Des Plaines, Illinois. This strategic role helped Geldres expand further his leadership-level experience and gain significant knowledge about strategic operations related to slots and guest service.

In total, he held the role of vice president of slots at the company’s Des Plaines property for seven years. Then, for a year, he also served as corporate VP of gaming for Rush Street Gaming. Geldres’ professional background includes experience within the tribal gaming vertical at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota.

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The tournament is slated for Saturday, April 8 and will get underway at 11 am local time in Coco Poker. The event will have a $200 buy-in and a prize pool of guaranteed $10,000. Participants and guests may also expect special bounties, which the tournament organizers confirm.

Poker Can Help the Ukrainian Relief Effort

Registration will begin on April 8 at 9 am in Coco Poker and the event expects a good turn up. Coco Poker is a smoke-free location, which currently hosts 30 tables and is one of South Florida’s best private luxury private salons.

Commenting on this opportunity, Seminole Gaming CEO, chairman of Hard Rock International, and chairman of Hard Rock Digital, Jim Allen, said that the organization was adamant to demonstrate its support for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Allen said that the tournament would seek to offer help to thousands of people who are fleeing the war, or have been displaced or otherwise denied basic services and goods. Ukrainian children and families have been injured or suffered severely financially, Allen explained. He similarly said that the death toll was even more devastating.

The tournament is just part of the relief efforts that have been going on for a while now, with organizations and representatives of the gambling industry raising considerable funds to assist Ukraine. Meanwhile, in the country itself, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a new decree with which he stamped out a number of gambling sites, issuing a 50-year ban against at least 120 companies and 280 individuals.

Zelensky alleges that these companies and people have been working to secure the interests of Russia or preyed on the Ukrainian people through the launch of illegitimate gambling products. Interestingly, at least one of the companies that was banned had been known to raise money for Ukraine.

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