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{{short description|Gaming, hospitality, and entertainment company}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = JACK Entertainment LLC
| name = Jack Entertainment LLC
| logo = [[File:Jack Entertainment LLC logo.png|200px]]
| logo = Jack Entertainment LLC logo.png
| type = [[Privately owned company|Private]]
| type = [[Privately owned company|Private]]
| genre =
| genre =
| foundation = 2009 as Rock Gaming LLC
| foundation = 2009 as Rock Gaming LLC
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Matthew Cullen ([[chairman]])|Mark Dunkeson ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}}
| founder = [[Dan Gilbert (businessman)|Dan Gilbert]]
| location_city = [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
| key_people = {{unbulleted list|Dan Gilbert ([[Chairman]])|Matthew Cullen ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])}}
| location_city = [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]
| location_country = United States
| location_country = United States
| location =
| location =
| former_name = Rock Gaming LLC (2009-2016)
| former_name = Rock Gaming LLC (2009–2016)
| industry = [[Gambling|Gaming]], [[Hospitality]], [[Tourism]]
| industry = [[Gambling|Gaming]], [[Hospitality]], [[Tourism]]
| products = [[Casino]]s, [[Hotels]], [[Entertainment]], [[Thoroughbred horse racing]]
| products = [[Casino]]s, [[Hotels]], [[Entertainment]], [[Thoroughbred horse racing]]
| services =
| services =
| revenue = Over {{USD|1 billion}} {{asof|2016|February|lc=y}}
| revenue = {{USD|500 million}} {{as of|2021|January|lc=y}}
| operating_income =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| net_income =
| num_employees = Approximately 7,000 {{asof|2016|February|lc=y}}
| num_employees = 1,400 {{as of|2021|January|lc=y}}
| parent = [[Rock Ventures]]
| parent =
| divisions =
| divisions =
| subsid = Rock Ohio Caesars LLC (2010-2015)
| owner =
| owner =
| slogan =
| slogan =
| homepage = {{url|jackentertainment.com}}
| homepage = {{URL|jackentertainment.com}}
| dissolved =
| dissolved =
| footnotes =<ref name="bwrock">{{Cite web | title = Rock Gaming, LLC: Private Company Information | publisher = Businessweek | work = Businessweek.com | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=111705461 }}</ref><ref name="bw-rockohio-bio">{{Cite web | title = Rock Ohio Caesars LLC: Private Company Information | publisher = Businessweek | work = Businessweek.com | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=117920560 }}</ref><ref name="clev215">{{Cite news | title = Rock Ohio Ventures buy Caesar's 20 percent interest and now owns Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, ThistleDown and other entities | author = Farkas, Karen | work = cleveland.com | date = February 26, 2015 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/casino/index.ssf/2015/02/rock_ohio_ventures_buys_out_ca.html }}</ref><ref name="clev1115">{{Cite news | title = Rock Gaming takes over management of Horseshoe Cleveland Casino from Caesar's Entertainment | author = Farkas, Karen | work = cleveland.com | date = November 2, 2015 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/casino/index.ssf/2015/11/rock_gaming_takes_over_management_of_horseshoe_cleveland_casino_from_caesars_entertainment.html }}</ref><ref name="wxyz216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino to be renamed JACK Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown | work = WXYZ | date = February 23, 2016 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.wxyz.com/news/greektown-casino-to-be-renamed-jack-detroit-casino-hotel-greektown }}</ref><ref name="crains216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino-Hotel to be renamed Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown | author = Bill Shea and Kirk Pinho | work = Crain's Detroit Business | date = February 23, 2016 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160223/NEWS03/160229936/greektown-casino-hotel-to-be-renamed-jack-detroit-casino-hotel }}</ref><ref name="jackpr216">{{Cite press release | title = JACK Entertainment Rebrands Ohio and Detroit Casinos | publisher = JACK Entertainment | date = February 23, 2016 | accessdate = February 25, 2016 |url=http://www.rock-gaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016-JACK-Entertainment-Release_-FINAL3.pdf | format = PDF }}</ref>
| footnotes = <ref name="bwrock">{{Cite web | title = Rock Gaming, LLC: Private Company Information | publisher = Businessweek | work = Businessweek.com | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=111705461 }}</ref><ref name="bw-rockohio-bio">{{Cite web | title = Rock Ohio Caesars LLC: Private Company Information | publisher = Businessweek | work = Businessweek.com | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=117920560 }}</ref><ref name="clev215">{{Cite news | title = Rock Ohio Ventures buy Caesar's 20 percent interest and now owns Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, ThistleDown and other entities | author = Farkas, Karen | work = cleveland.com | date = February 26, 2015 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/casino/index.ssf/2015/02/rock_ohio_ventures_buys_out_ca.html }}</ref><ref name="clev1115">{{Cite news | title = Rock Gaming takes over management of Horseshoe Cleveland Casino from Caesar's Entertainment | author = Farkas, Karen | work = cleveland.com | date = November 2, 2015 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/casino/index.ssf/2015/11/rock_gaming_takes_over_management_of_horseshoe_cleveland_casino_from_caesars_entertainment.html }}</ref><ref name="wxyz216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino to be renamed JACK Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown | work = WXYZ | date = February 23, 2016 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.wxyz.com/news/greektown-casino-to-be-renamed-jack-detroit-casino-hotel-greektown }}</ref><ref name="crains216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino-Hotel to be renamed Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown | author = Bill Shea and Kirk Pinho | work = Crain's Detroit Business | date = February 23, 2016 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20160223/NEWS03/160229936/greektown-casino-hotel-to-be-renamed-jack-detroit-casino-hotel }}</ref><ref name="jackpr216">{{Cite press release | title = JACK Entertainment Rebrands Ohio and Detroit Casinos | publisher = JACK Entertainment | date = February 23, 2016 | access-date = February 25, 2016 |url=http://www.rock-gaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2016-JACK-Entertainment-Release_-FINAL3.pdf }}</ref><ref name=nagl>{{cite news|title=Dan Gilbert divests interest in Cleveland casino business|work=Crain's Detroit Business|author=Kurt Nagl|date=January 18, 2021|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/entertainment/dan-gilbert-divests-interest-cleveland-casino-business|accessdate=2021-01-19}}</ref>
}}
}}

[[File:Greektownnew2.jpg|thumb|[[Greektown Casino Hotel]] in [[Detroit]]]]
'''JACK Entertainment LLC''' (formerly '''Rock Gaming LLC''' from 2009 to 2016) is a [[Gambling|gaming]], [[hospitality]], and [[entertainment]] corporation based in [[Detroit|Detroit, Michigan]]. The company owns and operates [[casino]]s and [[hotel]]s in [[Michigan]] and [[Ohio]], and owns a stake of properties in [[Kentucky]] and [[Maryland]].<ref name="bwrock" /><ref name="jackpr216" /> JACK Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of [[Rock Ventures|Rock Ventures LLC]].<ref name="bwrock" /><ref name="crains216" /><ref name="rv-gaming">{{Cite web | title = Gaming&nbsp;— Rock Ventures | publisher = Rock Ventures | work = rockventures.com | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.rockventures.com/gaming/ }}</ref>
'''Jack Entertainment''' (formerly known as '''Rock Gaming LLC''' from 2009 to 2016) is a [[Gambling|gaming]], [[hospitality]], and [[entertainment]] company based in [[Cleveland, Ohio]]. The company operates two gaming facilities in Ohio, [[Jack Cleveland Casino]] and [[Jack Thistledown Racino]].


== History ==
== History ==


=== Rock Gaming (2009 - 2016) ===
=== Rock Gaming (2009–2016) ===
JACK Entertainment, originally Rock Gaming LLC, was founded in 2009 by seven businessmen led by [[Dan Gilbert (businessman)|Dan Gilbert]],<ref name="bwrock" /><ref name="tpd1011">{{Cite news | title = Dan Gilbert's Rock Gaming partners bound by friendship, desire to build upscale 'urban' casinos | author = Davis, Dave | work = The Plain Dealer | date = October 15, 2011 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/10/dan_gilberts_rock_gaming_partn.html }}</ref> who serves as [[chairman]] of its board.<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="wxyz216" /><ref name="bw-rockboard">{{Cite web | title = Rock Gaming, LLC: Board of Directors | publisher = Businessweek | work = Businessweek.com | date = | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/board.asp?privcapId=111705461 }}</ref><ref name="lhim-rock">{{Cite journal | title = Rock Gaming LLC&nbsp;– Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati | last = Petersen | first = Chris | work = Leisure and Hospitality International | date = | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.lhimagazine.com/index.php/sections/being-there/1862-rock-gaming-llc--horseshoe-casino-cincinnati }}</ref> The company formed as the seven men backed the [[Ohio Casino Approval and Tax Distribution Amendment]], which was ultimately approved by voters in November 2009.<ref name="ohsos-issue3-09">{{Cite web | title = State Issue 3: November 3, 2009 | publisher = Ohio Secretary of State's Office | work = sos.state.oh.us | date = November 2009 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/elections/Research/electResultsMain/2009ElectionResults/20091103issue3.aspx }}</ref><ref name="tpd409">{{Cite news | title = Ohio casino backers hire troubled California firm Arno Political Consultants | author = Fields, Reginald | work = The Plain Dealer | date = April 28, 2009 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/04/ohio_casino_backers_hire_troub.html }}</ref>
Jack Entertainment was founded as Rock Gaming in 2009 by seven businessmen led by [[Dan Gilbert (businessman)|Dan Gilbert]],<ref name="bwrock" /><ref name="tpd1011">{{Cite news | title = Dan Gilbert's Rock Gaming partners bound by friendship, desire to build upscale 'urban' casinos | author = Davis, Dave | work = The Plain Dealer | date = October 15, 2011 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/10/dan_gilberts_rock_gaming_partn.html }}</ref> as chairman of its board and Matt Cullen as chief executive officer.<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="wxyz216" /><ref name="bw-rockboard">{{Cite web | title = Rock Gaming, LLC: Board of Directors | publisher = Businessweek | work = Businessweek.com | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/board.asp?privcapId=111705461 }}</ref><ref name="lhim-rock">{{Cite journal | title = Rock Gaming LLC&nbsp;– Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati | last = Petersen | first = Chris | journal = Leisure and Hospitality International | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.lhimagazine.com/index.php/sections/being-there/1862-rock-gaming-llc--horseshoe-casino-cincinnati }}</ref> The company was formed as the seven men backed the Ohio Casino Approval and Tax Distribution Amendment, which was ultimately approved by voters in November 2009.<ref name="ohsos-issue3-09">{{Cite web | title = State Issue 3: November 3, 2009 | publisher = Ohio Secretary of State's Office | work = sos.state.oh.us | date = November 2009 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/elections/Research/electResultsMain/2009ElectionResults/20091103issue3.aspx }}</ref><ref name="tpd409">{{Cite news | title = Ohio casino backers hire troubled California firm Arno Political Consultants | author = Fields, Reginald | work = The Plain Dealer | date = April 28, 2009 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/04/ohio_casino_backers_hire_troub.html }}</ref>


In early 2013, the company acquired the [[Greektown Casino Hotel]] in Detroit.<ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="tpd113">{{Cite news | title = Dan Gilbert to buy Detroit's Greektown Casino, a money-making and revitalization effort | author = Davis, Dave | work = The Plain Dealer | date = January 16, 2013 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/01/dan_gilbert_to_buy_detroits_gr.html }}</ref><ref name="wdiv216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino changes name to 'Jack Casino' | last = Haddad | first = Ken | work = WDIV | date = February 23, 2016 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/greektown-casino-changes-name-to-jack-casino }}</ref><ref name="detnews216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino to be renamed ‘Jack’ | author = Martinez, Michael | work = Detroit News | date = 23 February 2016 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2016/02/23/greektown-casino-renamed-jack/80802634/ }}</ref>
In May 2012, Rock Gaming, in a joint venture with [[Caesars Entertainment Corporation|Caesars Entertainment]], opened [[Horseshoe Casino Cleveland]] as well as gained a stake in a Kentucky racetrack, [[Turfway Park]].<ref name="clev215" /> The company quickly expanded in 2013, opening [[ThistleDown Racino|ThistleDown]] Racino in the nearby Cleveland suburb of North Randall and [[Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati]].<ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="lhim-rock" /> In that same year, the company acquired the [[Greektown Casino-Hotel]] in Detroit.<ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="tpd113">{{Cite news | title = Dan Gilbert to buy Detroit's Greektown Casino, a money-making and revitalization effort | author = Davis, Dave | work = The Plain Dealer | date = January 16, 2013 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/01/dan_gilbert_to_buy_detroits_gr.html }}</ref><ref name="wdiv216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino changes name to 'Jack Casino' | last = Haddad | first = Ken | work = WDIV | date = February 23, 2016 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/greektown-casino-changes-name-to-jack-casino }}</ref><ref name="detnews216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino to be renamed 'Jack' | author = Martinez, Michael | work = Detroit News | date = 23 February 2016 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2016/02/23/greektown-casino-renamed-jack/80802634/ }}</ref>


In April 2015, the company took on an operational focus and was approved by [[Ohio Casino Control Commission]] to be licensed as a management company.<ref name="clev1115" /> That same year, Rock Gaming bought out Caesars's minority equity interests and management contract, and assumed full operational control and full ownership of its Ohio gaming properties.<ref name="bw-rockohio-bio" /><ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" /><ref name="rockpr1115">{{Cite press release | title = Rock Gaming Raises Its Stakes in Ohio and Begins Transition of Operational Responsibilities of Gaming Properties | publisher = Rock Gaming, LLC | date = November 2, 2015 | access-date = February 25, 2016 | url = http://www.rock-gaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Press-Release_Rock-Gaming-Rasises-Stakes-in-Ohio_FINAL.pdf | archive-date = February 22, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160222065902/http://www.rock-gaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Press-Release_Rock-Gaming-Rasises-Stakes-in-Ohio_FINAL.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref>
In April 2015, the [[Ohio Casino Control Commission]] approved a request by the company to be licensed as a management company.<ref name="clev1115" />


=== Rock Ohio Caesars (2010-2015) ===
=== Jack Entertainment (2016–present) ===
On February 23, 2016, the company announced it was changing its name from Rock Gaming to Jack Entertainment. Throughout 2016, the company would also rebrand its casinos under the Jack name.<ref name="wxyz216" /><ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="wdiv216" /><ref name="detnews216" /><ref name="mlive216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino changing name to 'Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown' | author = Thibodeau, Ian | work = MLive.com | date = February 23, 2016 | access-date = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.mlive.com/business/detroit/index.ssf/2016/02/gilbert_changing_greektown_cas.html }}</ref> The company stated it planned to spend $40 million on the rebranding.<ref name="wdiv216" /><ref name="detnews216" /><ref name="mlive216" /> It also introduced a new customer loyalty program, ClubJack.<ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="detnews216" />
In December 2010, in partnership with [[Caesars Entertainment Corporation]], the company formed Rock Ohio Caesars LLC to open and operate casinos in [[Cleveland]] and [[Cincinnati]].<ref name="bw-rockohio-bio" /><ref name="lhim-rock" /> Caesars held a 20% stake in Rock Ohio Caesars<ref name="tpd1011" /> and managed the company's properties.<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" /><ref name="rockpr1115" />


In September 2018, it was reported that Gilbert was looking to sell Jack Entertainment and exit the casino business.<ref>{{cite news|title=Billionaire Gilbert is said to be looking to cash out of casinos|newspaper=Bloomberg|first=Christopher|last=Palmeri|date=September 5, 2018|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-09-05/billionaire-gilbert-is-said-to-be-looking-to-cash-out-of-casinos|access-date=September 5, 2018}}</ref> Two months later, Jack entered into an agreement to sell the Greektown casino to [[Vici Properties]] and [[Penn National Gaming]] for a total of $1 billion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gilbert to sell Greektown Casino-Hotel for $1 billion|newspaper=Crain's Detroit Business|first1=Dustin|last1=Walsh|first2=Bill|last2=Shea|date=November 14, 2018|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/mergers-acquisitions/gilbert-sell-greektown-casino-hotel-1-billion|access-date=December 29, 2018}}</ref>
In May 2012, Rock Ohio Caesars opened Ohio's first casino, [[Horseshoe Casino Cleveland]].<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="lhim-rock" />


In September 2019, Jack Entertainment sold its Cincinnati casino for $745 million to Vici and [[Hard Rock International]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cincinnati casino sells for $745 million|newspaper=Cincinnati Business Courier|author=Tom Demeropolis|date=September 20, 2019|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/09/20/jack-cincinnati-casino-sells-for-745-million.html|access-date=2019-09-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Vici Properties Inc. completes acquisition of Jack Cincinnati Casino and lease to Hard Rock International|publisher=Vici Properties|date=September 20, 2019|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190920005448/en/VICI-Properties-Completes-Acquisition-JACK-Cincinnati-Casino|via=BusinessWire|access-date=2019-09-21}}</ref> The next month, Jack sold Turfway Park to [[Churchill Downs, Inc.]] for $36 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=Turfway Park renovation plans revealed |newspaper=Cincinnati Business Journal|author=Steve Watkins|date=October 17, 2019|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2019/10/17/turfway-park-renovation-plans-revealed.html|access-date=2019-11-02}}</ref> In January 2020, the company also sold the real estate assets associated with its Cleveland casino and the Thistledown racino to Vici in a sale leaseback transaction.<ref>{{cite news|title=VICI finalizes purchase of two Cleveland-area casinos; leases properties back to Jack Entertainment|work=CDC Gaming Reports|first=Howard|last=Stutz|date=January 25, 2020|url=https://www.cdcgamingreports.com/vici-finalizes-purchase-of-two-cleveland-area-casinos-leases-properties-back-to-jack-entertainment/|access-date=September 29, 2020}}</ref>
In April 2013, Rock Ohio Caesars opened the state's fourth commercial casino, [[Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati]]. That same month, the company also began expanding the Cleveland-area [[thoroughbred horse racing]] track, [[ThistleDown Racino|ThistleDown]], to include a casino, making it a [[racino]].<ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="lhim-rock" />


Later in 2020, Gilbert sold his controlling stake in Jack Entertainment to a group of the company's managers, led by chairman Matthew Cullen and CEO Mark Dunkeson.<ref name="nagl" /><ref>{{Cite web|last1=Exner|first1=Rich|last2=clevel|last3=.com|date=2021-01-23|title=Where things stand with JACK Cleveland Casino, Thistledown Racino after Dan Gilbert's sale: Q&A with Chairman Matt Cullen|url=https://www.cleveland.com/casino/2021/01/where-things-stand-with-jack-cleveland-casino-thistledown-racino-after-dan-gilberts-sale-qa-with-chairman-matt-cullen.html|access-date=2021-11-01|website=cleveland|language=en}}</ref>
On August 26, 2014, the [[Horseshoe Casino Baltimore]] opened. The casino was developed by Caesars Entertainment, in partnership with JACK Entertainment, CVPR Gaming Holdings LLC, STRON-MD Limited Partnership, and PRT TWO LLC.<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" />


In June 2021, Jack moved its headquarters to [[Terminal Tower]] in Cleveland.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-27|title=Ohio's Gaming Company Deepens Cleveland Roots Signing Long Term Lease With K&D Group For Downtown Headquarters|url=https://www.jackentertainment.com/2021/05/27/ohios-gaming-company-deepens-cleveland-roots-signing-long-term-lease-with-kd-group-for-downtown-headquarters/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=Jack Entertainment|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2021/05/27/jack-entertainment-signs-lease-in-clevelands-term.html|access-date=2021-11-01|website=www.bizjournals.com}}</ref>
On February 26, 2015, Rock Gaming acquired Caesars Entertainment's 20% stake in [[Rock Ohio Caesars LLC]].<ref name="bw-rockohio-bio" /><ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" /> As a result, the company now had complete ownership of [[Horseshoe Casino Cleveland]], [[ThistleDown Racino]], [[Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati]], the [[Ritz-Carlton]], Cleveland, the [[Higbee Building]], and a controlling interest in [[Turfway Park]].<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" /><ref name="rockpr1115">{{Cite press release | title = Rock Gaming Raises Its Stakes in Ohio and Begins Transition of Operational Responsibilities of Gaming Properties | publisher = Rock Gaming, LLC | date = November 2, 2015 | accessdate = February 25, 2016 |url=http://www.rock-gaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Press-Release_Rock-Gaming-Rasises-Stakes-in-Ohio_FINAL.pdf | format = PDF }}</ref>


==Properties==
On November 2, 2015, the Rock Gaming announced it would begin assuming management of [[Horseshoe Casino Cleveland]], [[Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati]], and [[ThistleDown Racino]] from [[Caesars Entertainment Corporation]], and complete the transition by June 2016.<ref name="clev1115" /><ref name="rockpr1115" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"

|-
=== JACK Entertainment (2016 - present) ===
! Name
On February 23, 2016, the company announced it was changing its name from Rock Gaming LLC to JACK Entertainment LLC. Throughout 2016, the company would also be rebranding the casinos it wholly owns and operates under the JACK branding.<ref name="wxyz216" /><ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="wdiv216" /><ref name="detnews216" /><ref name="mlive216">{{Cite news | title = Greektown Casino changing name to 'Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown' | author = Thibodeau, Ian | work = MLive.com | date = February 23, 2016 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.mlive.com/business/detroit/index.ssf/2016/02/gilbert_changing_greektown_cas.html }}</ref> The company indicated it planned to spend {{USD|40 million}} on the rebranding.<ref name="wdiv216" /><ref name="detnews216" /><ref name="mlive216" /> It also introduced a new customer loyalty program, ClubJACK.<ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="detnews216" />
! Location

! Notes
== Properties ==
! Picture

|-
JACK Entertainment owns an interest in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment properties in Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, and Ohio.<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" /><ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="rv-gaming" /> Collectively the properties include more than {{convert|400,000|sqft}} of game space, 600 hotel rooms, and 35 bars and restaurants.<ref name="crains216" /><ref name="jackpr216" />
| [[Jack Cleveland Casino]]
| [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
|In November 2015, Rock Gaming acquired Caesars's stake in Horseshoe Casino Cleveland resulting in the company's complete ownership of the property, with the transfer completed June 2016.<ref name="clev1115" />
||[[File:WS 08 (30126052053).jpg|180px]]
|-
| [[Jack Thistledown Racino]]
| [[North Randall, Ohio]]
| In November 2015, Rock Gaming acquired Caesars's stake in ThistleDown Racino, resulting in the company's complete ownership of the property, with the transfer completed in June 2016.<ref name="clev1115" />
|[[File:Thistledown Racino, North Randall, Ohio.jpg|180px]]
|}


===Former properties===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
|-
Line 68: Line 78:
| Caesars Interactive Entertainment
| Caesars Interactive Entertainment
| N/A
| N/A
| Partnership with Caesars Entertainment Corporation.<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" /><ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="rv-gaming" />
| Partnership with Caesars Entertainment Corporation.<ref name="clev215" /><ref name="clev1115" /><ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="rv-gaming">{{Cite web|title=Gaming&nbsp;— Rock Ventures|url=http://www.rockventures.com/gaming/|access-date=February 26, 2016|work=rockventures.com|publisher=Rock Ventures|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093434/http://www.rockventures.com/gaming/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

|-
|-
| [[Greektown Casino Hotel]]
| [[Greektown Casino Hotel]]
| Detroit, Michigan
| Detroit, Michigan
| Originally to be renamed Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown by the end of 2016.<ref name="wxyz216" /><ref name="crains216" /><ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="wdiv216" /><ref name="detnews216" /><ref name="mlive216" /> The name change never happened and the hotel/casino was sold to Penn National Gaming and Vici Properties on May 23, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://investors.viciproperties.com/investors/news-releases/press-release-details/2019/VICI-Properties-Inc-Completes-Acquisition-of-Greektown-Casino-Hotel-and-Lease-to-Penn-National-Gaming/default.aspx|title=VICI Properties Inc. Completes Acquisition of Greektown Casino-Hotel and Lease to Penn National Gaming|website=investors.viciproperties.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-07-01|archive-date=2019-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701223625/https://investors.viciproperties.com/investors/news-releases/press-release-details/2019/VICI-Properties-Inc-Completes-Acquisition-of-Greektown-Casino-Hotel-and-Lease-to-Penn-National-Gaming/default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pennnationalgaming.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/penn-national-gaming-completes-acquisition-greektown-casino|title=Penn National Gaming Completes Acquisition of Greektown Casino-Hotel|website=Penn National Gaming|language=en|access-date=2019-07-01}}</ref>
| JACK Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown by end of 2016.<ref name="wxyz216" /><ref name="crains216" /><ref name="jackpr216" /><ref name="wdiv216" /><ref name="detnews216" /><ref name="mlive216" />
|
|[[File:Greektown Casino Hotel At Night.jpg|180px]]
|-
|-
| [[Horseshoe Casino Baltimore]]
| [[Horseshoe Casino Baltimore]]
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|[[File:Horseshoe Casino Grand Opening 2014.jpg|180px]]
|[[File:Horseshoe Casino Grand Opening 2014.jpg|180px]]
|-
|-
| [[JACK Cincinnati Casino]]
| [[Jack Cincinnati Casino]]
| [[Cincinnati, Ohio]]
| [[Cincinnati, Ohio]]
| In November 2015, Caesars announced that it would cede management of its Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati resort to Rock Gaming, with the transfer completed June 2016.<ref name="clev1115">{{Cite news | title = Rock Gaming takes over management of Horseshoe Cleveland Casino from Caesar's Entertainment | author = Farkas, Karen | work = cleveland.com | date = November 2, 2015 | accessdate = February 26, 2016 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/casino/index.ssf/2015/11/rock_gaming_takes_over_management_of_horseshoe_cleveland_casino_from_caesars_entertainment.html }}</ref>
| In November 2015, Caesars announced that it would cede management of its Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati resort to Rock Gaming, with the transfer completed June 2016.<ref name="clev1115"/> The property was sold to Vici Properties and Hard Rock International for $780 million in 2019, and is planned to be re-branded as a Hard Rock casino.
|[[File:Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati in 2013.jpg|180px]]
|[[File:Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati in 2013.jpg|180px]]
|-
| [[JACK Cleveland Casino]]
| [[Cleveland, Ohio]]
|In November 2015, Caesars announced that it would cede management of its Horseshoe Casino Cleveland resort to Rock Gaming, with the transfer completed June 2016.<ref name="clev1115"/>
|[[File:Cleveland Horseshoe Casino from street (7291501914).jpg|180px]]
|-
| [[JACK Thistledown Racino]]
| [[North Randall, Ohio]]
| In November 2015, Caesars announced that it would cede management of its ThistleDown Racino resort to Rock Gaming, with the transfer completed in June 2016.<ref name="clev1115"/>
|[[File:Thistledown Racino, North Randall, Ohio.jpg|180px]]
|-
|-
| [[Turfway Park]]
| [[Turfway Park]]
| [[Boone County, Kentucky]]
| [[Boone County, Kentucky]]
| Sold to Churchill Downs, Inc. in 2019.
|
|}
|}


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal bar|Metro Detroit|Ohio|Companies}}
{{Portal bar|Michigan|Ohio|Companies}}
*[[List of casinos in Ohio]]
*[[List of casinos in Ohio]]


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{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{official website}}
* {{official website}}
* [http://www.rockventures.com/gaming/ Rock Ventures - Gaming]
* [http://www.rockventures.com/gaming/ Rock Ventures Gaming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093434/http://www.rockventures.com/gaming/ |date=2016-03-04 }}


[[Category:Gambling companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Gambling companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Hospitality companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Hospitality companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Companies based in Detroit]]
[[Category:Companies based in Cleveland]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies established in 2009]]
[[Category:Entertainment companies established in 2009]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:2009 establishments in Michigan]]

Latest revision as of 06:11, 10 May 2023

Jack Entertainment LLC
FormerlyRock Gaming LLC (2009–2016)
Company typePrivate
IndustryGaming, Hospitality, Tourism
Founded2009 as Rock Gaming LLC
Headquarters,
United States
Key people
ProductsCasinos, Hotels, Entertainment, Thoroughbred horse racing
RevenueUS$500 million as of January 2021
Number of employees
1,400 as of January 2021
Websitejackentertainment.com
Footnotes / references
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

Jack Entertainment (formerly known as Rock Gaming LLC from 2009 to 2016) is a gaming, hospitality, and entertainment company based in Cleveland, Ohio. The company operates two gaming facilities in Ohio, Jack Cleveland Casino and Jack Thistledown Racino.

History[edit]

Rock Gaming (2009–2016)[edit]

Jack Entertainment was founded as Rock Gaming in 2009 by seven businessmen led by Dan Gilbert,[1][9] as chairman of its board and Matt Cullen as chief executive officer.[3][5][10][11] The company was formed as the seven men backed the Ohio Casino Approval and Tax Distribution Amendment, which was ultimately approved by voters in November 2009.[12][13]

In May 2012, Rock Gaming, in a joint venture with Caesars Entertainment, opened Horseshoe Casino Cleveland as well as gained a stake in a Kentucky racetrack, Turfway Park.[3] The company quickly expanded in 2013, opening ThistleDown Racino in the nearby Cleveland suburb of North Randall and Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati.[7][11] In that same year, the company acquired the Greektown Casino-Hotel in Detroit.[7][14][15][16]

In April 2015, the company took on an operational focus and was approved by Ohio Casino Control Commission to be licensed as a management company.[4] That same year, Rock Gaming bought out Caesars's minority equity interests and management contract, and assumed full operational control and full ownership of its Ohio gaming properties.[2][3][4][17]

Jack Entertainment (2016–present)[edit]

On February 23, 2016, the company announced it was changing its name from Rock Gaming to Jack Entertainment. Throughout 2016, the company would also rebrand its casinos under the Jack name.[5][7][15][16][18] The company stated it planned to spend $40 million on the rebranding.[15][16][18] It also introduced a new customer loyalty program, ClubJack.[7][16]

In September 2018, it was reported that Gilbert was looking to sell Jack Entertainment and exit the casino business.[19] Two months later, Jack entered into an agreement to sell the Greektown casino to Vici Properties and Penn National Gaming for a total of $1 billion.[20]

In September 2019, Jack Entertainment sold its Cincinnati casino for $745 million to Vici and Hard Rock International.[21][22] The next month, Jack sold Turfway Park to Churchill Downs, Inc. for $36 million.[23] In January 2020, the company also sold the real estate assets associated with its Cleveland casino and the Thistledown racino to Vici in a sale leaseback transaction.[24]

Later in 2020, Gilbert sold his controlling stake in Jack Entertainment to a group of the company's managers, led by chairman Matthew Cullen and CEO Mark Dunkeson.[8][25]

In June 2021, Jack moved its headquarters to Terminal Tower in Cleveland.[26][27]

Properties[edit]

Name Location Notes Picture
Jack Cleveland Casino Cleveland, Ohio In November 2015, Rock Gaming acquired Caesars's stake in Horseshoe Casino Cleveland resulting in the company's complete ownership of the property, with the transfer completed June 2016.[4]
Jack Thistledown Racino North Randall, Ohio In November 2015, Rock Gaming acquired Caesars's stake in ThistleDown Racino, resulting in the company's complete ownership of the property, with the transfer completed in June 2016.[4]

Former properties[edit]

Name Location Notes Picture
Caesars Interactive Entertainment N/A Partnership with Caesars Entertainment Corporation.[3][4][7][28]
Greektown Casino Hotel Detroit, Michigan Originally to be renamed Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown by the end of 2016.[5][6][7][15][16][18] The name change never happened and the hotel/casino was sold to Penn National Gaming and Vici Properties on May 23, 2019.[29][30]
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland Partnership with Caesars Entertainment Corporation.[3][4][7][28]
Jack Cincinnati Casino Cincinnati, Ohio In November 2015, Caesars announced that it would cede management of its Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati resort to Rock Gaming, with the transfer completed June 2016.[4] The property was sold to Vici Properties and Hard Rock International for $780 million in 2019, and is planned to be re-branded as a Hard Rock casino.
Turfway Park Boone County, Kentucky Sold to Churchill Downs, Inc. in 2019.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Rock Gaming, LLC: Private Company Information". Businessweek.com. Businessweek. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Rock Ohio Caesars LLC: Private Company Information". Businessweek.com. Businessweek. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Farkas, Karen (February 26, 2015). "Rock Ohio Ventures buy Caesar's 20 percent interest and now owns Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, ThistleDown and other entities". cleveland.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Farkas, Karen (November 2, 2015). "Rock Gaming takes over management of Horseshoe Cleveland Casino from Caesar's Entertainment". cleveland.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d "Greektown Casino to be renamed JACK Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown". WXYZ. February 23, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  6. ^ a b Bill Shea and Kirk Pinho (February 23, 2016). "Greektown Casino-Hotel to be renamed Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown". Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h "JACK Entertainment Rebrands Ohio and Detroit Casinos" (PDF) (Press release). JACK Entertainment. February 23, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  8. ^ a b Kurt Nagl (January 18, 2021). "Dan Gilbert divests interest in Cleveland casino business". Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved 2021-01-19.
  9. ^ Davis, Dave (October 15, 2011). "Dan Gilbert's Rock Gaming partners bound by friendship, desire to build upscale 'urban' casinos". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  10. ^ "Rock Gaming, LLC: Board of Directors". Businessweek.com. Businessweek. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  11. ^ a b Petersen, Chris. "Rock Gaming LLC – Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati". Leisure and Hospitality International. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  12. ^ "State Issue 3: November 3, 2009". sos.state.oh.us. Ohio Secretary of State's Office. November 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  13. ^ Fields, Reginald (April 28, 2009). "Ohio casino backers hire troubled California firm Arno Political Consultants". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  14. ^ Davis, Dave (January 16, 2013). "Dan Gilbert to buy Detroit's Greektown Casino, a money-making and revitalization effort". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  15. ^ a b c d Haddad, Ken (February 23, 2016). "Greektown Casino changes name to 'Jack Casino'". WDIV. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  16. ^ a b c d e Martinez, Michael (23 February 2016). "Greektown Casino to be renamed 'Jack'". Detroit News. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  17. ^ "Rock Gaming Raises Its Stakes in Ohio and Begins Transition of Operational Responsibilities of Gaming Properties" (PDF) (Press release). Rock Gaming, LLC. November 2, 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  18. ^ a b c Thibodeau, Ian (February 23, 2016). "Greektown Casino changing name to 'Jack Detroit Casino-Hotel Greektown'". MLive.com. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  19. ^ Palmeri, Christopher (September 5, 2018). "Billionaire Gilbert is said to be looking to cash out of casinos". Bloomberg. Retrieved September 5, 2018.
  20. ^ Walsh, Dustin; Shea, Bill (November 14, 2018). "Gilbert to sell Greektown Casino-Hotel for $1 billion". Crain's Detroit Business. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
  21. ^ Tom Demeropolis (September 20, 2019). "Cincinnati casino sells for $745 million". Cincinnati Business Courier. Retrieved 2019-09-21.
  22. ^ "Vici Properties Inc. completes acquisition of Jack Cincinnati Casino and lease to Hard Rock International" (Press release). Vici Properties. September 20, 2019. Retrieved 2019-09-21 – via BusinessWire.
  23. ^ Steve Watkins (October 17, 2019). "Turfway Park renovation plans revealed". Cincinnati Business Journal. Retrieved 2019-11-02.
  24. ^ Stutz, Howard (January 25, 2020). "VICI finalizes purchase of two Cleveland-area casinos; leases properties back to Jack Entertainment". CDC Gaming Reports. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  25. ^ Exner, Rich; clevel; .com (2021-01-23). "Where things stand with JACK Cleveland Casino, Thistledown Racino after Dan Gilbert's sale: Q&A with Chairman Matt Cullen". cleveland. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  26. ^ "Ohio's Gaming Company Deepens Cleveland Roots Signing Long Term Lease With K&D Group For Downtown Headquarters". Jack Entertainment. 2021-05-27. Retrieved 2021-11-01.
  27. ^ www.bizjournals.com https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2021/05/27/jack-entertainment-signs-lease-in-clevelands-term.html. Retrieved 2021-11-01. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  28. ^ a b "Gaming — Rock Ventures". rockventures.com. Rock Ventures. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  29. ^ "VICI Properties Inc. Completes Acquisition of Greektown Casino-Hotel and Lease to Penn National Gaming". investors.viciproperties.com. Archived from the original on 2019-07-01. Retrieved 2019-07-01.
  30. ^ "Penn National Gaming Completes Acquisition of Greektown Casino-Hotel". Penn National Gaming. Retrieved 2019-07-01.

External links[edit]