Answering the most commonly asked Hard Rock Casino Rockford questions
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ROCKFORD — You got questions about Hard Rock Casino Rockford? We've got answers.
Folks are logging on to Google to ask about the temporary Rockford Casino, A Hard Rock Opening Act and about plans for the coming permanent Hard Rock Casino Rockford resort.
Here are answers to some of the most popular questions we are seeing.
Where is the Rockford Casino?
The temporary casino is located at 610 N. Bell School Road, which was formerly home to Giovanni's Restaurant and Convention Center.
Is the Rockford Casino open 24/7?
Yes, it's open 24 hours all year.
How many slot machines are there at the Rockford Casino?
The 37,790-square-foot temporary casino boasts 635 video gaming machines including many popular modern slot machines.
Is there blackjack at Rockford Casino?
There are no live table games at the temporary casino. However, there are electronic versions of blackjack and roulette.
Is there video poker?
Yes, the Rockford Casino has video poker games.
Who owns the Hard Rock Casino Rockford?
Led by chief investor Dan Fischer, owner of the Dotty's gaming café chain, an ownership group of more than four dozen people, businesses and trusts each owning at least a 5% stake called 815 Entertainment LLC own the planned casino resort in partnership with Seminole Hard Rock International. Ringland-Johnson Construction President Brent Johnson, whose company will oversee construction of the resort, and First Midwest Group founder and president Sunil Puri are key investors as well.
What happened to the Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center?
A group of casino investors bought the property, 7801 E. State St., in spring 2017. The hotel and resort had closed in November 2016 after it changed ownership several times and fell into disrepair. Retail tenants left the property and the city condemned the hotel when gas and electricity were shutoff because the bills weren't paid. The property is now the future home of the Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
When will the permanent casino open?
Hard Rock Casino Rockford officials are planning to build a 65,000-square-foot casino, Hard Rock Café and roughly 1,600-seat Hard Rock Live venue. Plans are also in the works to feature a Council Oak Steakhouse, YouYu authentic Asian cuisine restaurant and a food hall with a common seating area and three to five counter service options. No construction timeline has been released as the casino continues to work with the Illinois Gaming Board for regulatory approvals, but officials are eyeing a September groundbreaking.
Will it have a hotel?
Yes, there are plans for a 250-room Hard Rock hotel at the Rockford resort. But although Hard Rock officials would like to begin construction of the hotel as part of its first phase of work, the pandemic, supply chain issues and inflation among other factors could mean waiting to start hotel construction until a second phase.
What will the Hard Rock Casino Rockford offer?
Plans are for an estimated 1,500 slot machines, a sports book and more than 60 table games including blackjack, roulette and craps among others.
Will there be live poker?
Hard Rock is finalizing designs for the layout of the casino to determine what the floor space can and should accommodate. Officials say they are working to include a 10- to 12-table poker room.
