Pete Rose places first bet, smashes guitar at Hard Rock Casino opening

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati led its celebrity-packed grand opening with the traditional guitar smash and first casino bet Friday morning.

Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose, 80, participated in the guitar smash and signed a Hard Rock Casino guitar specially made for the casino’s memorabilia collection.

Rose also made the inaugural first bet at the casino’s blackjack table and dealt a 21 on the first hand.

After months of extensive renovation, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati reopened on Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. led by celebrities and members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida as well as Hard Rock Casino executives.

Celebrities in attendance included Rose, Drew Lachey, Tucker Barnhart, Kathy Wade, Phil Castellini and R&B group Earth, Wind & Fire.

George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, shared his thoughts on the grand opening.

“We know our Grand Opening will be a big hit with the Hit King Pete Rose and Earth, Wind & Fire here to celebrate with our guests,” Goldhoff said. “The Hard Rock Casino brand is globally recognized as a leader in gaming and entertainment. We know our guests will be delighted with our new restaurant, retail, and gaming experiences.”

In September 2019, Hard Rock International in collaboration with VICI Properties Inc. (VICI) acquired the former JACK Cincinnati Casino.

Hard Rock International then rebranded the casino as Hard Rock Casino.

The casino property features 108,800 square feet of gaming space with 1,628 slot machines and 84 table games, according to casino officials. Additionally, the property contains 33,000 square feet of meeting space and restaurants, including upscale dining at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and the iconic Hard Rock Cafe.

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