Hard Rock signs deal to operate racetrack casino in Ohio
Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida, reached an agreement to develop a slot machine-only casino at the Northfield Park racetrack in northeastern Ohio.
The deal is contingent on Ohio finalizing plans to allow seven of the state’s racetracks to operate some 17,500 slot machine-like video lottery terminals.
The proposed $275 million Hard Rock project would include a Hard Rock-branded casino, a steakhouse, Hard Rock Cafe and an entertainment venue for live music, as well as other dining facilities and conference space. The casino would be decorated with the Hard Rock’s collection of music memorabilia.
According to a statement, the development is expected to generate approximately 1,000 permanent jobs and more than 1,000 construction jobs.
The Hard Rock would be part of the Northfield Park Racetrack located in Northfield. Northfield Park is one of the nation's premier harness racetracks, providing more than 200 live racing events each year.
The Seminole-owned Hard Rock has two flagship properties, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, both in Florida. Hard Rock operates 173 venues in 53 countries, including 138 Hard Rock Cafes and 15 hotels and casinos.
The Seminoles operates six casinos in Florida -- Brighton and Immokalee in Collier County and Coconut Creek and Hollywood in Broward County, under the Seminole Casino brand, plus the Hard Rock resorts in Tampa and Hollywood.
