Hard Rock wins Land-Based Operator of the Year award

• Hard Rock International won the Land-Based Operator of the Year award from the Global Gaming Awards Americas
• The company emerged as runner-up in two categories
• Jeff Hook, HRI’s Chief Operating Officer, shares his excitement

One of the most globally recognized hospitality, gaming and entertainment companies with venues in nearly 80 countries across the globe, Hard Rock International (HRI), won a prestigious award at the 2026 Global Gaming Awards Americas in Las Vegas, Nevada.

HRI secures the prestigious award for a third time

The company was honored with the Land-Based Operator of the Year accolade from the recent event, highlighting its dedication to land-based casino gambling and its outstanding performance recorded in the last year.

In addition to the Land-Based Operator of the Year award, Hard Rock emerged as runner-up in two categories, Property of the Year for Hard Rock Casino Tejon and Responsible Business of the Year for its dedication to responsible gambling and social impact work.

HRI’s Land-Based Operator of the Year award marks the third such recognition the company has obtained.

As one of the gaming industry’s most respected honors, the Land-Based Operator of the Year award is a testament to the company’sfocus onland-based casino gambling and outstanding performance observed in the 12 months prior.

Highlights of HRI’s excellence and leadership include the opening of its first fully integrated resort in Canada, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.

Moreover, the award recognizes HRI’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tejon, which successfully opened its doors in November 2025 in Kern County, California.

Only recently, Mike Bean, an executive with more than 30 years of gaming and hospitality industry experience, was appointed to the role of Property President at Hard Rock Casino Tejon.

Hard Rock is honored to be recognized by Global Gaming Awards Americas

The prestigious award honored ongoing progress demonstrated by Hard Rock, including the ongoing development of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Athens, the company’s landmark integrated resort in one of the most popular European cities, the forthcoming Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, located on the Las Vegas Strip, and Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park, HRI’s project in Queens, New York, in collaboration with Steve Cohen.

Jeff Hook, HRI’s Chief Operating Officer, commented: "We're honored to once again be recognized by the Global Gaming Awards Americas."

"This recognition demonstrates how Hard Rock has built an unmatched gaming experience rooted in 55 years of music heritage and motivates us to keep raising the bar for our valued guests around the world," the executive said in conclusion.

Image credit: Hard Rock International