Hard Rock Turns Sports Betting Product Into ‘Online Slots’

A new product from the Hard Rock Bet gambling app in Florida turns online sports betting into online slot-like games.

The state has not legalized online casino gambling, but it allows online sports betting under a deal with the Seminole Tribe, operator of Hard Rock Bet.

How does the new product work? 

The games use the results of a “past” sports event — in this case, car races — as the basis for their “odds.” It’s basically using a concluded sports event as its random number generator.

Gaming attorney Daniel Wallach explained how it works under the law of a gambling compact between Florida and the Seminoles.

“The inclusion of the word ‘past’ in the [legal] definition of sports betting” gives Hard Rock Bet an open “door to all sports — including player props — as online slots, 24/7,” Wallach said.

Hard Rock Bet Slot Loophole

Wallach called it “HHR on steroids,” in reference to so-called “historical horse racing” machines that are in some brick-and-mortar casinos in the U.S.

These machines are controversial. HHRs are slot-like games designed to sidestep the legal definition of slot machines. 

HHRs are based on a formula that randomizes results of horse races. This is no different from creating a formula that operates based on sporting events, using the data to determine a win-loss outcome.

Critics have long argued that the inclusion of “horse race data” is a ruse to facilitate the installation of slot machines at racetracks.

HHRs mimic slot machines from beginning to end, even featuring reels, symbols, wilds, and bonuses. The player experience is essentially identical to that of a slot machine.

HHRs are typically pari-mutuel, whereas Hard Rock’s product appears to be against the house. 

Why it Matters

People in Florida and across the U.S. can play online slots with offshore casinos, which can be “real money” or in “sweepstakes” form. Some sweepstakes-style online slots are from U.S.-based companies.

There are also so-called “social” slots apps, like NFL Super Bowl Slots, that facilitate gambling even though players can’t withdraw money.

Hard Rock Bet’s online “slots” product isn’t the first time Floridians have had access to such a game. Nonetheless, it is alarming because it’s a legal product, giving it more legitimacy.

One user remarked on social media: “Hard Rock added slots to my app, and I wish they never did.” Gambling Harm reached out to the player but never heard a response.

Another user had a negative reaction: “It’s funny. Not everyone has it [the product]. I do and I hate it. Generic same type slots games. They all suck. Got me for some $ tho.”

Whether the legal loophole allowing “online slots” gambling can be used in other states remains to be seen. Gambling addiction advocates and consumers should be on alert.

Can You Use Hard Rock Bet Outside of Florida?

Yes, in addition to Florida, Hard Rock Bet is available in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The sports betting app is live in those states. However, its new product that mimics online slots is only available in Florida. None of the other states in which the platform is live has the legal loophole that Florida has.

Hard Rock Bet, which counts Mike Tyson as an ambassador, does not require you to be a resident of Florida to gamble. In fact, you don’t have to be a resident of any of the states where the product is available. You just have to be physically present in the state.

Hard Rock Bet can detect VPN use, so people trying to use it from outside of Florida and the other states risk losing their money by doing so. Nonetheless, the biggest risk here is using an addictive product like a sports gambling and casino app.

Image by djedj from Pixabay