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Hard Rock Gets State OK For Possible Future Casino Venture in Atlantic City

By David Madden

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (CBS) -- The New Jersey Casino Control Commission has paved the way for the owners of the "Hard Rock" entertainment and hospitality brand to pursue an Atlantic City casino license quickly, with issuance today of a "statement of compliance," confirming they meet the requirements to obtain one.

 

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(The New Jersey Casino Control Commission votes to approve Hard Rock's statement of compliance. Photo by David Madden)

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Hard Rock officials have made no commitment to do anything here, but certainly would like to if the numbers add up.

And it may center around the defunct Revel property, soon to be bought by Florida developer Glenn Straub.

Hard Rock put in a preliminary bid but lost out to Straub, and Hard Rock CEO James Allen confirms the two men have talked.

"We certainly have had some unofficial discussions with Mr. Straub, but we certainly recognize that he's most likely talking to many companies," Allen said today.

And Allen said he is keeping his options open as well.

Hard Rock backed out of building a small casino hotel here a few years ago, when the economy tanked, and suggests any existing building, including Revel, would need a lot of work if they came in.

 

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