Hard Rock AC Make Leadership Change Ahead of Sports Betting

Hard Rock International has announced a new President for its recently opened Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Matt Harkness was in charge and oversaw the development of the previous Trump Taj Mahal site which Hard Rock acquired from Carl Icahn and spent some $500 million developing when it opened for business in late June.

Mr Harkness was only in the role three months until Hard Rocks Decision to have him replaced by Joe Lupo who has been with Hard Rock running their Hard Rock’s Tampa, Florida hotel and casino. Previously Mr Lupo worked at Boyd Gaming for 30 years with 13 years at the companies Borgata Casino resort in Atlantic City.

Hard Rock Atlantic City is believed not to have performed as well as hoped for since opening and is only one of two casinos in Atlantic City that does not have sports betting which was made legal back in June.

However it is understood that Hard Rock are in talks with UK based online bookmaker Bet365 to offer sports betting in the resort. Was this a reason for the change in leadership? Hard Rock have not given a reason for the quick change but with sports betting being a very hot topic it would not be surprising to have a new lead to open sports betting in the resort.