Live Table Games Now Available At Hard Rock Casino Rockford

In addition to over 600 slot machines, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, known as An Opening Act, now also features live table games.

In late 2021, An Opening Act first began hosting guests, providing only slot machines and electronic table games, as there were no live table games available. This was a strategic move by Hard Rock to expedite the opening. The inclusion of live table games was pending the training of dealers and approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.

After an extended period of anticipation, the Illinois casino now offers six live table games. Here are the games guests can now enjoy:

• One Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Table
• One Three-Card Poker table
• Four Blackjack tables

Live table games at Hard Rock will operate from 10 a.m. to midnight from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hard Rock listened to its guests

Geno Iafrate, the president of Hard Rock Rockford, stated that the casino received numerous requests to incorporate table games. They took note of the games most frequently inquired about and used this data to determine which games to include.

Iafrate told 23 WIFR, “The most requested amenity in this place is probably table games. We have visitors from all around who are disappointed when they don’t find them. However, that period of waiting is over. Whether you or your friends want to play table games or slots, both are now available here.”

The expansion of gaming has led to the creation of 20 new job opportunities at An Opening Act, increasing their total employee count to approximately 300. Additionally, as Iafrate and Hard Rock continue to gauge guest interests in different game types, there is potential for more positions to be introduced soon.

Iafrate told 13 WREX:

As the demand increases, the addition of more table games, game types, and team members is inevitable. Our subsequent Table Games Dealer School is set to commence soon, and more will follow as we continue to augment our team.

Update on Hard Rock’s permanent casino

Vertical steel beams were erected at the construction site of Hard Rock’s $310 million permanent casino in the first week of April. The casino will be situated just off I-90 and State St, at the previous site of the Clock Tower Resort.

The project commenced in September 2022, but faced delays due to surging construction expenses and supply chain issues. However, Iafrate stated that Illinois’ relatively mild winter assisted construction workers through the majority of the cold season.

Officials from Hard Rock are eager to open the 180,000-square-foot casino as soon as they can. However, an official timetable has not yet been disclosed.

When it eventually opens, the following amenities will be available for patrons:

• 1,000 slot machines
• Dozens of table games
• A sportsbook
• Along with other restaurants, Hard Rock Cafe
• 1,800 seat entertainment venue
• A hotel