Revealed several days ago just after a press conference held on Monday, the City of Rockford’s Major Mr. McNamara said that he and the city’s other officials find the Hard Rock International’s proposal for a Rockford-based casino to be the most complete when compared to the two other proposals. Further, the Major said that the city’s officials recommend the Hard Rock International proposal to City Council.
Back on the 30th of August, the Seminole Tribe-owned company was the very first casino operator to submit its proposal for the City of Rockford’s new casino license. This proposal includes building a casino and resort located on the former Clock Tower property of East State Street. As revealed in July several months ago, the property should include a casino, café, as well as a massive, two thousand-seat venue for concerts and other entertainment activities.
Hard Rock International as One of the Leaders
As previously mentioned, the Hard Rock International company is owned and operated by one of the federally-recognized tribes, the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Alongside the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians and Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Seminole Tribe of Florida is one of three Seminole entities that are fully federally recognized. Since 1957 when the tribe received this status, it has several Indian reservations across Florida.
Before the Hard Rock International company which is today one of the most prominent casinos and hotel operators in the states, the Tribe established a high-stakes bingo room in 1975 when everything began. This bingo hall was one of the very first tribal endeavors of this kind in the states. Today, the Tribe operates several casinos and hotel properties including the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino located in Atlantic City which opened its doors back on the 2nd of April 1990.
This casino and hotel is definitely one of the most popular ventures of this kind formerly known by its name the Trump Taj Mahal besides a massive casino floor and hotel suites, the property includes Hard Rock café, as well as several restaurants including Moon at Dynasty, Mulino New York, Dynasty II, Sultan’s Feast and Robert’s Steakhouse. Something similar including restaurants and other dining areas is also planned for the City of Rockford’s casino and hotel.
Great Economic Impact on the City’s Finances
According to the Hard Rock International officials, their Rockford casino proposal would bring around one thousand and two hundred construction jobs as well as around one thousand permanent part-time and full-time jobs once the casino opens its doors. As one of the leading names in the industry, this casino if build and operated by the Hard Rock International company would surely draw bigger global appeal.
On their part, the City of Rockford’s officials said that the Hard Rock International’s proposal for the casino and related financial structure is rather credible. The same report also shares more details such as that the proposal also includes minimum tax guarantees on gambling which are both sustainable and realistic. Another detail revealed about the proposal in question is that it also covers revenue payments which would doubtlessly positively impact the city’s finances.
As one part of the potential business agreement between the City of Rockford and Hard Rock International, the company has also agreed to pay the city at least $7 million yearly in taxes on gaming plus other commitments that apply as determined by the city’s officials. All in all, no matter which proposal wins in the end, the City of Rockford would benefit financially while more than two thousand people will find permanent and temporarily jobs among other advantages. The other two proposals came from businessmen Kjell Kaashagen and Henry Leong and from Ren Clewer of Gorman & Co.
