Hard Rock acquires The Ritz Club’s casino licence in London

The casino operator did not disclose further details of where the facility would be located. It did state the licence would allow it to seek out a location to establish a new venue in the English capital.

Part of the iconic Ritz Hotel, the Ritz Club had operated as a casino since 1978, but closed its doors permanently in May last year, with all staff made redundant.

This followed its closure in March, as a result of the UK’s first novel coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown.

“We look forward to expanding our brand offerings within London and bringing our award-winning hospitality, gaming and entertainment to the birthplace of Hard Rock,” Hard Rock International chairman Jim Allen said.

Hard Rock already has a presence in London through its Hard Rock Café brand, operating three branches in the city, as well as a Hard Rock Hotel facility.

Confirmation of the new London licence comes after Hard Rock last month struck a joint venture with a number of former Stars Group executives to significantly expand its digital gaming business.

The new venture, which includes former Stars Group chief executive Rafi Ashkenazi, will look to leverage Hard Rock’s network of properties alongside those operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Seminole Gaming arm to develop omni-channel sports betting and igaming businesses worldwide.