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Hard Rock International Unveils Full-Scale Model of its World-Class Entertainment Resort Concept to Japan
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Hard Rock Japan Announces Multiple Partnerships and Exclusive Japan Distribution Rights with Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment for the Broadway Musical, King Kong
Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International, revealed a full-scale model of Hard Rock Japan’s World-Class Entertainment Resort concept during Hokkaido’s Integrated Resort Showcase on January 9. Key elements of the design include monorail access from Chitose International Airport, Hard Rock’s signature guitar-shaped hotel, a Four Seasons Resort, a Hard Rock Live venue, multipurpose Broadway-style theaters, a state-of-the-art wellness center and more than 215,000 square feet of world-class retail and dining space. The new design also features an authentic Ainu village experience, designed to help raise awareness for the local indigenous Ainu people and educate those who visit the proposed Japan Hard Rock Resort destination in the city of Tomakomai.
Allen also announced other key partnerships, including:
- New York Yankees – Expanding on its 12-year relationship with the New York Yankees, Hard Rock International will be looking to expand its NYY Steak concept and New York Yankee experience at its proposed Hard Rock Resort Destination in Tomakomai, Hokkaido Japan.
- Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts – Hard Rock will be working with HPL Hotel and Resorts in Asia to bring the Four Seasons experience to Hokkaido.
- NEC – Hard Rock International will bring the latest facial recognition and security services to its integrated resorts development project in Hokkaido.
- Music Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame – Hard Rock International will work to bring praise and awareness to the musical accomplishments of Japanese, Asian and global artists.
- Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment – This partnership will bring premier Broadway Theater to Japanese Audiences, including exclusive rights to their latest debut, King Kong.
“Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment has a long history of working in Asia, and we are extremely excited about partnering with Hard Rock International,” said Robert Nederlander Jr., chairman and CEO of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment. “With Hard Rock’s 35 years of business experience in the Japan market, we look forward to developing a premiere world-class Broadway theater in Hokkaido, so both Japanese and international visitors can enjoy a variety of popular theatrical shows throughout the year.”
In addition to announcing Hard Rock’s partnership and development plans at the Hokkaido Integrated Resort Showcase, Allen announced its participation in Hokkaido’s world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. In commemoration, Hard Rock Japan is constructing a massive snow sculpture, towering over four stories and showcasing famous Japanese animated rock star Hatsune Miku — a full 3D holographic ‘Vocaloid’ who appears in concerts all over the globe and is accompanied by a live band performing in sync to her performance.
Allen also took time to personally thank Yoshikazu Nonomura, chairman and CEO of the Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo Professional Soccer Club, on Hard Rock’s recent top sponsorship with them and to wish them a successful 2019 season. It was at this time that Allen contributed a personal check of $100,000 to the team’s Hokkaido Earthquake Charitable Relief Fund, which provides direct aid to Hokkaido residents who suffered losses in the massive September earthquake.
“For more than 45 years, our motto ‘Love All – Serve All’ has been a focal point of our company — making Hard Rock one of the most recognized and respected entertainment brands around the world,” said Jim Allen, chairman and CEO of Hard Rock International. “We are extremely excited about the prospect of introducing our Hard Rock family to the people of Hokkaido, Japan with this world-class entertainment resort. It will not only bring economic benefits to the local community, but also act as a gateway to learn more about the wonderful heritage of Japan and all that it has to offer.”
For more information about Hard Rock or Hard Rock Japan, visit HardRock.com or HardRock.co.jp.
Hard Rock International
With venues in 75 countries, including 183 cafes, 27 hotels and 12 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 most valuable 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 and Hard Rock Live performance venues. 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 entity The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Atlantic City, Bali, Cancun, Daytona Beach, Ibiza, Orlando, Shenzhen and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include, Maldives, Manila, Malaga, Georgetown, Fortaleza, Rosario and Chengdu. New Hard Rock Hotel, Casino or Hotel & Casino projects include Berlin, Budapest, Dublin, London, Los Cabos, Madrid, Maldives, New York City, Ottawa, Sacramento, Dalian and Haikou in China. In 2018, Hard Rock International was recognized as a Forbes Magazine Top Employer for Women and Land Operator of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards. For more information on Hard Rock International visit www.hardrock.com.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Hard Rock International Unveils Full-Scale Model of its World-Class Entertainment Resort Concept to Japan

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Drafted.gg Achieves ESIC Gold Standard Accreditation, Joining a Distinguished List of Esports Betting Content Providers
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) today admits Drafted.gg into the ESIC Gold Standard accreditation following an extensive on-site audit. This prestigious recognition underscores Drafted.gg’s unwavering commitment to integrity, fair play, and robust security measures in esports.
The ESIC Gold Standard for esports betting products represents one of the highest bars in esports betting product compliance and integrity best practices. Fewer than a handful of organizations worldwide have demonstrated the advanced operational protocols, thorough oversight mechanisms, and consistent ethical standards necessary to pass the stringent requirements set by ESIC.
Achieving this level of accreditation signals an organization’s excellence in safeguarding against corruption, match manipulation, and unethical practices—all of which are critical to the continued growth and credibility of esports.
The comprehensive audit evaluated key areas essential to maintaining a fair and secure competitive environment. These areas included physical security, CCTV monitoring, communication device restrictions, referee oversight, and overall compliance with ESIC’s rigorous integrity program. Over the course of the audit, Drafted.gg demonstrated exceptional diligence, meticulous record-keeping, and a forward-thinking approach to maintaining the highest standards of transparency and fair play.
“Drafted.gg joins an elite circle of esports organizations that meet the exceptionally high bar of ESIC Gold Standard compliance,” said Ian Smith, Commissioner of ESIC. “Their rigorous approach to operational integrity meets the benchmark for best practices in esports. We welcome them into the ESIC Gold Standard for Betting Products category.”
The ESIC Gold Standard accreditation highlights Drafted.gg’s robust systems for upholding best practices within esports. From comprehensive background checks and secure access controls to high-quality production techniques, Drafted.gg exemplifies what is possible when an organization aligns every aspect of its operations with the principles of fair competition and ethical conduct. This accreditation also reinforces the integrity of Drafted.gg’s esports content—made available to operators through its partnership with Oddin.gg—helping sportsbooks access compliant, high-quality content for esports betting.
A representative from Drafted.gg remarked: “The entire management team at Drafted.gg is excited about this milestone, as passing ESIC’s Gold Standard audit validates the rigorous integrity measures built into Drafted.gg from day one. From match oversight to data security, Drafted.gg’s operations are designed to meet the highest standards in compliance. This accreditation is not just a milestone—it’s a statement of the company’s ongoing commitment to fair competition and trust in esports.”
The post Drafted.gg Achieves ESIC Gold Standard Accreditation, Joining a Distinguished List of Esports Betting Content Providers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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FBM Foundation brings hope, joy and essential aid to National Children’s Hospital
Bringing hope, joy and essential resources to children and families in need was the main purpose behind the FBM Foundation’s last initiative, in partnership with the National Children’s Hospital and Malasakit Center, on March 10th.
The social responsibility project of the FBM Group hosted a donation campaign delivering toys, school supplies, grocery essentials and critical medical equipment to improve the hospital’s services and bring comfort and joy to over 100 families.
The FBM Foundation aimed to make a meaningful impact on the operations of the National Children’s Hospital and the well-being of its patients. In response, employees from NTT and MEMO generously donated toys, art supplies, school supplies, baby wipes, clothing, and diapers. These contributions brought comfort and joy to young patients undergoing treatment at the hospital.
With the participation of 12 committed volunteers, this initiative counted with the direct involvement of Pepe Costa, FBM Foundation Representative, along with the celebrities Papa Jackson, Giselle Sanchez, and Daniel Matsunaga, who invested their time to bring a different enthusiasm to the day of these children.
Beyond the meaningful gifts, the FBM Foundation also provided critical medical equipment and supplies, such as gauze pads, underpads, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, ECG machines, infusion pumps, nebulizers, and a vein locator apparatus. To complete the efforts of this donation campaign, the project delivered grocery essentials to 100 families facing medical challenges, offering much-needed support during difficult times.
Part of this initiative was possible by the funds raised from the Keepy-Uppy Charity Challenge during ICE Barcelona 2025. FBMDS not only showcased its latest iGaming innovations at the tradeshow but also turned visitor engagement into a tangible real-world impact. The Keepy-Uppy Charity Challenge successfully transformed participation into crucial donations, directly supporting vulnerable individuals through this important project at the National Children’s Hospital.
By combining the effects of these solidarity gestures, the FBM Foundation expects to improve the patient’s health care and enhance the hospital’s medical services. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of collective compassion by joining the dedication of 12 committed volunteers to the unwavering support of the FBM Foundation partners.
FBM Foundation continues its mission to create a lasting impact by promoting growth and well-being in communities around the world. Visit fbmfoundation.org to learn how you can help the project make a difference.
The post FBM Foundation brings hope, joy and essential aid to National Children’s Hospital appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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She added: “The London Waterfront Experience will enhance iGB L!VE’s unique chemistry and help deliver another world class event with all elements of the igaming industry ecosystem coming together in a city which is widely regarded as being the heart of the igaming industry.
“iGB L!VE 2025 will deliver unparalleled business opportunities with attendees having free access to the sector’s most influential brands and igaming professionals, occupying over 22,000 sqm of cutting-edge innovation and inspiration.”
iGB L!VE’s relocation to London will enable the event brand to continue its upward trajectory and achieve an ambitious four-year plan targeting 30,000 visitors and 550+ exhibitors/sponsors by 2028.
The post London Waterfront Experience unveiled for iGB L!VE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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