The company made the official announcement on Tuesday morning during its virtual press conference.
“As an ongoing commitment to our team members, this morning we are announcing today that over 2,000 front-line team members will receive a bonus for the second consecutive year in recognition of their loyalty, hard work, and dedication.” The company released on its social media account.
In 2020, Atlantic City casino workers were subjected to one of the most unpredictable and financially excruciating times ever experienced. This was due to the Covid-19 that saw the entire gaming industry shut its doors to customers for nearly four months which resulted in more than tens of thousands of people being out of work.
Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, said it was “significant to recognize and acknowledge all of our employees for their amazing efforts.” During the virtual press conference, Allen said Hard Rock was “committed to the well-being of their valued team members.”
“The dedication of our team members has been crucial to driving the success of our casino resorts, and we are proud that Hard Rock Atlantic City has been able to prevail during these challenging times,” he said.
Hard Rock AC Thrived While Others Struggled
With the coronavirus pandemic crippling businesses especially land-based casinos, revenues plummeted. Even while casinos were given a chance to welcome back gamers, they were restricted to only a 25% operating capacity. This brought even further problems leading to huge losses for the top nine Atlantic City casinos. Hard Rock saw success while others struggled in Atlantic City last year.
While the year-over-year land-based gaming revenue dropped to almost 44% for the industry, Hard Rock closed the year down by just 31%.
In the last quarter for the year 2020, Hard Rock was the only land-based casino property to post three-straight months of revenue growth from its table games and slot machine areas.
Hard Rock raked in annual revenue of up to $224.8 million which was second to only the figures released by Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.
“When we look at the results of Hard Rock Atlantic City, they are nothing short of astounding,” Allen said. “I mean (it’s) just absolutely amazing how the property is performing (and) continuing to grow in the market.”
Hard Rock received several accolades and applause for its gesture towards its employees during these trying times. One of such approbations came from the Governor of New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy.
“I applaud @HardRockHCAC leadership for providing bonuses to over 2,000 frontline casino employees, who have been working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of patrons and keep Atlantic City’s economy moving. This is the right move”. He said
Joe Lupo, president of HRHCAC, also praised the ownership for their commitments to Atlantic City and the casino property.
“This is a very exciting time for our team members that was made possible by our incredibly generous owners, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, along with Chairman of Hard Rock International Jim Allen and Hard Rock Atlantic City partners Jack Morris, Joe and Michael Jingoli who have truly brought light and hope into the new year,” Lupo said.
