Las Vegas-based Golden Gaming Inc. took the first steps toward managing gaming operations at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino last week, receiving approval from Nevada gaming regulators to operate the property’s casino after it is sold to the Morgans Hotel Group.

Golden Gaming was selected to manage the casino and gaming operations at the popular resort while Morgans pursues its own gaming license, a process that could that at least one year. After the $770 million purchase is finalized, Morgans will operate the property’s hotel rooms, restaurants and public areas. Blake Sartini, president of Golden Gaming, said Morgans could close the purchase by February 1.

While the deal, in which Golden Gaming will receive a management fee to run the casino and could share in a portion of gaming revenues, is somewhat uncommon, control board chairman Dennis Neilander said, “it’s not something we haven’t seen before.”

A final vote on the arrangement was expected to come January 25.

If finalized, Golden Gaming will have complete authority in operating the casino, but Morgans would fund capital expenditures.

Sartini said he plans to name Bart Pestrichelo, who oversees table games at the Hard Rock, the casino’s general manager.

“Bart worked for me for seven years,” Sartini said. “As the licensee, we have the ability to go in and do what we need in regards to the gaming. Obviously, we want to work in concert with the Morgans people to create a synergy. Non-gaming has to work with gaming, and our anticipation is we’ll work together with them to market the property.”

Golden Gaming owns three casinos outside Denver, Colorado, and recently purchased the Pahrump Nugget in Nevada. It also operates a slot route with more than 3,000 machines.

By Greg Jones

Greg Jones is managing editor of Casino Connection Nevada, as well as associate editor of Global Gaming Business magazine.

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