Hard Rock International and Meadowlands Racetrack Unveil Polling Results of New Jersey Gaming Expansion Survey

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Jan 08, 2016, 02:22 ET

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ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International releases today the results of the company's most recent polling in collaboration with the Meadowlands Racetrack, the proposed site for a potential Hard Rock Casino in Northern New Jersey.

Conducted by Hart Research Associates as part of an ongoing review of legislation to potentially allow for gaming expansion in New Jersey outside of Atlantic City, the statewide survey speaks to a number of sentiments regarding the current legislation and unlike past surveys, tests specific ballot language.

The survey reveals the following key findings:

Nearly three-fifths of potential voters favor a proposal to amend the state constitution to allow for the expansion;
More than half identify the Meadowlands as their clear and overwhelming favorite location for a new casino; and
There is clear voter preference for a proposal that does not limit the operation of new casinos only to those who are currently running casinos in Atlantic City.

For more information on the above-mentioned statewide survey, please CLICK HERE for the official key findings memo provided by Hart Research Associates, inclusive of all poll details.

"Senator Sweeney has shown great courage by taking on this issue and Speaker Prieto has shown willingness to compromise by agreeing to reduce the number of licenses from three to two. The good news is that the polling shows if the proposal is presented right on the ballot, the legislation would pass. However, there are certainly concerns, such as the current requirement for both proposed casinos to be operated by current Atlantic City operators, as well as the amount of money going to Atlantic City which this survey discusses," states Jeff Gural, chairman of New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC.

"Clearly the most important thing if we are going to be able to create jobs and billions of dollars in new revenue is that the language in the referendum is approved by the voters. 83% of respondents do not support the concept that both licenses have to go to current operators in Atlantic City. We have been advised that a legal challenge might also delay these two projects if that provision is included."

Additionally, when voters were polled on their favorability of one of the casinos being a Hard Rock branded property, the survey revealed that 59% of participants strongly favored the project being a part of the proposal.

"We have always believed in our brand and are excited that the survey results further support the brand's strength throughout New Jersey," states Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. "We are, however, mostly excited for the opportunity to work with Speaker Prieto and Senate President Sweeney to support citizens of New Jersey through carefully allocated tax revenue that also provides relief for the Atlantic City community."

For more information on the above-mentioned statewide survey, please reference the accompanying key findings memo provided by Hart Research Associates, inclusive of all poll details.

For more information on Hard Rock International and Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 209 venues in 67 countries, including 161 cafes, 23 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Juan, Reykjavik and Gran Canaria, Spain. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Atlanta, Berlin, Daytona Beach, Dubai, Los Cabos, Tenerife, Abu Dhabi, and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.