Former Stars Group executives join new Hard Rock Digital business
JV with Seminole Gaming tribe to leverage Hard Rock's database in global gaming and sports betting offering
Hard Rock International has ignited a new Hard Rock Digital joint venture with its tribal gaming partner Seminole Gaming (SGA), recruiting former The Stars Group (TSG) CEO Rafi Ashkenazi as its MD and chairman.
Ashkenazi, who will join the business in 2021 following completion of his gardening leave from TSG, will be joined by former TSG chief legal officer Marlon Goldstein, who becomes an executive managing director of the business as well as Hard Rock Digital CEO.
Former Fox Bet president Matt Primeaux also joins the business as an executive managing director and president of the firm, while ex-Fox Bet CTO Mick Giles takes on the role of SVP, head of technology.
The management team will report to a newly formed independent board of directors for the Hard Rock Digital business, to be chaired by Hard Rock International chairman Jim Allen.
The newly launched digital business will serve as a vehicle for both online gambling and sports betting internationally utilizing the firm’s 130 million-strong database.
Hard Rock Digital will be fully funded by Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming and be based in Hollywood, Florida.
It has already begun recruiting for a significant number of new roles, in areas including engineering and development, marketing, design and operations.
“With the launch of Hard Rock Digital, we are broadening our digital business which enhances consumer experiences and offerings across our interactive gaming and sportsbook offerings,” chairman Jim Allen said.
“Hard Rock Digital also intends to pursue strategic branding and distribution opportunities both within the US and globally. In the US alone, the potential future market size is estimated at $7bn for sports betting and $14bn for online gaming,” he added.
“Hard Rock International is consistently at the forefront of innovation and vision in the gaming industry and the ‘Hard Rock’ gaming, hospitality and entertainment venues are iconic worldwide, Goldstein said.
“We look forward to providing an authentic, digital experience for Hard Rock’s global fan base within a comprehensive, omni-channel offering,” he added.
Hard Rock is currently live with mobile betting and igaming in New Jersey and operates mobile sports betting in Iowa. In September, Hard Rock switched its igaming and sports betting platform over to Scientific Games extending its long partnership with the firm.