Kentucky's Turfway Park may come under new ownership

Following a strategic assessment of its business portfolio, JACK Entertainment LLC on Friday announced that it has entered into multiple contracts to sell JACK Cincinnati Casino and Turfway Park to Hard Rock International and VICI Properties for $780 million, pending regulatory approval.

VICI will simultaneously enter into a favorable triple-net leased fee agreement with Hard Rock International. Hard Rock International will be responsible for the operations at both properties. JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino will not be impacted by this transaction and JACK Entertainment remains committed to investing in and operating these properties.  

Matt Cullen, CEO of JACK Entertainment, said the company viewed the gaming industry as a catalyst for economic development in local communities.

“We are confident that Hard Rock and its world-renowned brand will be a great addition to the Queen City and the right choice to take JACK Cincinnati Casino and Turfway Park to the next level of growth," he said. "We chose to sell to Hard Rock, in large part, due to its great culture and quality of its leadership. They are an outstanding operator that JACK Cincinnati Casino and Turfway Park team members will enjoy working with as they continue to deliver excellent service to our guests.”

The transaction, which is expected to be finalized sometime in late 2019, requires regulatory approval, both at the federal and state levels.

Subsequent to regulatory approval for the transaction, JACK Entertainment will work with Hard Rock International to ensure a smooth transition for all guests and team members. During the transition, the property will remain open for business as usual. 

Credit Suisse Securities LLC and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. are acting as financial advisors and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is acting as legal advisor to Jack Ohio LLC and certain of its affiliates in connection with the transactions described above.