Hard Rock International has acquired the casino premise licence from The Ritz Club in London.

The operator says the transaction will allow it to "seek out and establish a new casino premise in London, continuing Hard Rock's expansion into major gateway cities in the world."

Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, said: "We look forward to expanding our brand offerings within London and bringing our award-winning hospitality, gaming and entertainment to the birthplace of Hard Rock."

The Seminole Gaming CEO and Hard Rock chairman spoke exclusively on the GI Huddle in November, an interview you can watch here.

The timing of its planned expansion is certainly interesting given the pandemic, although this growth is naturally going to be earmarked for the long term.

Currently, Hard Rock is suffering from the pandemic in the same way all other land-based operators are, with key locations across the world closed and others operating under limitations and restrictions.

However, Allen was positive about the long run when he appeared on the GI Huddle and a new property in London looks like it will form an important part of the company's plans for the future.