Gambling in the USA
Hard Rock International Unveils Star-Studded Cast In Big Game Commercial
Jennifer Lopez stars, cameos from DJ Khaled, Alex Rodriguez, Pitbull, and Steven Van Zandt in “The Hype,” directed by Michael Bay
Ahead of its primetime premiere, Hard Rock International reveals an all-star celebrity line-up, featured in the Michael Bay production titled, “The Hype.” The first Big Game commercial for both the brand and South Florida-based filmmaker, “The Hype” follows global superstar Jennifer Lopez on a thrilling pursuit through the world’s first Guitar Hotel® at the newly expanded Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, encountering a few familiar faces along the way.
Hard Rock International will debut its first Big Game commercial at the end of the first half of the event broadcast on February 2, 2020, which takes place at the state-of-the-art Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida.
“The Hard Rock brand has celebrated and archived iconography and memorabilia that is synonymous with the best of music and entertainment,” expressed megastar Jennifer Lopez. “I hope this fun, action-packed spot filmed at The Hard Rock’s Guitar Hotel & Casino will continue to add to that tradition.”
Hard Rock tapped filmmaker Michael Bay to create a highly visual, fast action commercial that will leave a lasting impression on audiences. Bay’s repertoire – with film credits including, “Armageddon,” the “Transformers” series, and “Bad Boys” – name recognition and deep roots in South Florida make him the ideal fit for this powerful collaboration.
Joining Jennifer Lopez in the spot are GRAMMY® Award winning artist and producer DJ Khaled, who just announced a residency with Hard Rock International; GRAMMY® Award winner Pitbull; former Major League Baseball All-Star Alex Rodriguez; and singer-songwriter/actor Steven Van Zandt.
“The Big Game is a global sporting event that incorporates music and entertainment, two cornerstones of the Hard Rock brand,” said Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International. “As one of the most recognizable brands in the world, this is the perfect platform for Hard Rock to collaborate with immensely talented star power, including Michael Bay, one of the world’s greatest producers and directors. We’re confident that ‘The Hype’ will captivate millions of viewers.”
In conjunction with the spot, Hard Rock’s “Live Like a Legend” $2 Million Giveaway will also be launching on hardrock.com. Details on how to enter will be announced in the upcoming days.
Since the brand’s inception in 1971, Hard Rock has been synonymous with music and entertainment, as evidenced by 35,000 live shows annually across the portfolio, celebrating contemporary, emerging and legendary artists worldwide. This is also displayed in Hard Rock’s curated music memorabilia, which includes the world’s most valuable collection of more than 83,000 music items and pop-culture artifacts. Along with unique memorabilia adorning the walls, every property offers stylish design, unparalleled service and a unique vibe. With 31 hotels and 12 casinos currently operating around the globe (and exploration of more than 17 property deals in the pipeline), in addition to 251 iconic Hard Rock Cafes, Hard Rock is recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, offering guests an immersive music experience relevant to all generations.
For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos around the globe, visit hardrock.com.
Editor’s Take
Why this matters: Florida is a “monopoly market” controlled by the Seminole Tribe, meaning there is only one door in: Hard Rock Bet. By securing vendor registration here, BETER gains access to one of the most populous states in the U.S. without the fragmentation of competition seen in states like New Jersey. The immediate deployment of Setka Cup (table tennis) fills a crucial need for 24/7, fast-paced content during U.S. daytime off-hours.
The Full Story
BETER, the provider of next-gen betting content and data, has officially entered the Florida sports betting market after securing Vendor Registration from the Seminole Tribe of Florida (dba Seminole Gaming).
The regulatory approval allows BETER to supply its fast-paced betting products to the state’s sole authorized operator, Hard Rock Bet.
Day One Impact: Table Tennis Following the approval, BETER has immediately launched its exclusive Setka Cup table tennis tournaments on the Hard Rock Bet platform.
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The Product: Setka Cup provides 24/7 live streaming, real-time data, and odds.
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The Reach: Florida becomes the fifth U.S. state where Setka Cup is available to bettors.
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The Metric: BETER covers approximately 700,000 fast-paced events annually, offering up to 50 betting markets per event with margins often exceeding market standards.
Next Phase: Esports While table tennis is live now, BETER has confirmed that its esports portfolio—specifically ESportsBattle—will be integrated into Hard Rock Bet in the “near future.” This will bring round-the-clock eFootball, eBasketball, and other fast-market disciplines to Florida bettors.
Management Commentary Chuck Robinson, Chief Revenue Officer at BETER, emphasized the strategic value of the exclusive Hard Rock partnership:
“Launching Setka Cup with our partner Hard Rock Bet is particularly significant, as it allows us to introduce our fast-betting content to Florida bettors through a highly trusted sportsbook platform. We see strong long-term potential in Florida… Our esports content, particularly ESportsBattle, will also be going live soon.”
Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, noted the complexity of the approval:
“Obtaining vendor registration in Florida reflects the strength of our regulatory strategy… We are grateful to the Seminole Tribe of Florida dba Seminole Gaming for their cooperation throughout the registration process.”
This approval is part of a wider U.S. expansion strategy for BETER, which has already secured access in key states including Ohio, Arizona, and Kentucky.
The post BETER Cracks Florida Market: Setka Cup Now Live on Hard Rock Bet appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
BETER, the award-winning provider of live streaming, real-time data, and odds for fast-paced esports and sports content, has continued its U.S. expansion by securing Vendor Registration in the state of Florida.
The registration was granted by the Seminole Tribe of Florida dba Seminole Gaming, the regulatory authority that also oversees sports betting operations in the state.
Following the approval, BETER’s exclusive Setka Cup table tennis tournaments, featuring live streams, live data, and odds, are now available to bettors via the Hard Rock Bet. This launch marks BETER’s official entry into the Florida market, making Florida the fifth U.S. state where Setka Cup is available.
BETER delivers 24/7 live streaming, real-time data, and hyper-accurate odds for approximately 700,000 fast-paced events each year across a range of esports and sports disciplines, offering up to 50 betting markets per event and an average operator margin higher than the market standard. BETER expects to unlock much of this additional value through the integration of its exclusive ESportsBattle content into the Hard Rock Bet platform in the near future.
All matches are thoroughly monitored by BETER’s dedicated Integrity team, ensuring strict adherence to transparency standards and the rules of fair play.
Chuck Robinson, Chief Revenue Officer at BETER, said: “Securing vendor registration in Florida is another major milestone for BETER and a clear signal of our growing momentum across regulated U.S. markets.
“Launching Setka Cup with our partner Hard Rock Bet is particularly significant, as it allows us to introduce our fast-betting content to Florida bettors through a highly trusted sportsbook platform. We see strong long-term potential in Florida and are excited to continue building our presence here. Our esports content, particularly ESportsBattle, will also be going live soon, further enhancing the overall betting experience in the state.
“Our teams are looking forward to fruitful collaboration.”
Valeriia Tarchynska, Chief Legal Officer at BETER, added: “Obtaining vendor registration in Florida reflects the strength of our regulatory strategy and the expertise of our legal team in navigating the complex U.S. regulatory landscape.
“We are grateful to the Seminole Tribe of Florida dba Seminole Gaming for their cooperation throughout the registration process. This approval further supports our broader U.S. expansion plans as we continue securing licenses and launching our products in key regulated states, including Ohio, Arizona, Kentucky, and others.”
The post BETER Secures Vendor Registration in Florida appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, has strengthened its presence in Latin America after partnering with Brazino777, an online casino and sports betting brand known for its player-first experience and fast withdrawals, to roll out a selection of its top-performing titles to the Brazilian market.
Following the agreement, Greentube’s platform is now live with Brazino777 in Brazil, marking an important milestone in the supplier’s regional growth strategy and reinforcing its commitment to delivering market-relevant content in newly regulated jurisdictions.
As part of the collaboration, Brazino777 players can enjoy some of Greentube’s most popular new releases, including Piggy Prizes
:Wand of Riches 2, Trinity Treasures Wukong Buy Bonus, and Caichen Triple Blossom.
Alongside these titles, a curated selection of Greentube’s iconic classic games have also been integrated, including Book of Ra deluxe, Diamond Link: Mighty Sevens, and Cash Connection – Golden Sizzling Hot.
These games were selected for their proven performance in regulated markets and their strong appeal to Brazilian players, making them an ideal fit for Brazino777’s growing casino offering.
Now, with Brazil’s regulated online gaming landscape offering fresh opportunities, the collaboration is well positioned to reach new heights as the region continues to thrive.
Greentube’s latest Brazilian partnership further reinforces its strategic focus on Latin America as a key growth market. With a diverse portfolio of innovative slots and well-established fan favourites, the company continues to strengthen its position as a leading supplier worldwide.
Wilson Francisco, Sales and Key Account Manage at Greentube, said: “Our launch with Brazino777 is a major step forward for our strategy in Brazil. Their deep understanding of the local audience, paired with Greentube’s commitment to delivering top-performing, culturally relevant content, is a powerful combination.
“We’re confident that this partnership will elevate the player experience and help set new standards in the market.”
Andre Medeiros, Country Manager for Brazil at Brazino777, said: “Greentube’s portfolio is recognised globally for its quality, performance and player appeal. As a brand rooted in Brazilian culture, Brazino777’s focus is simple: a fun, smooth experience our community can enjoy every day.
“Partnering with Greentube reinforces that promise by expanding the entertainment options available to our players in Brazil.”
The post Greentube expands Latin American footprint with Brazino777 partnership appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
