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Hard Rock Casino Tampa expanding smoke-free gaming space
Guest feedback has convinced Hard Rock Tampa to double its smoke-free gaming floor to cover space holding over 40% of the casino's slots. Find out which areas of the property will be transformed and what the large-scale project will involve.
Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Tampa is in the process of significantly expanding its non-smoking gaming space. By the end of 2026, it plans to double its smoke-free areas to include over 40% of the casino's slot machines.
A response to player feedback
According to the Hard Rock newsroom, the decision to double the casino's smoke-free gaming space resulted from guest suggestions.
"Many of our guests asked for additional smoke-free options, and we listened," said Travis Lunn, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
"Our expansion is about providing more choices, increased comfort and an elevated entertainment experience, while offering an exciting gaming atmosphere. Guest feedback continues to shape how we evolve the entertainment experience at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa."
A large area of the casino floor stretching from the Cipresso restaurant to the Elvis Piano display will become a non-smoking space. Additionally, the L Bar and hotel lobby will become smoke-free.
These sections will join existing casino areas that ban smoking, including the Hard Rock Event Center, Draper Room, Mezzanine Casino, and Rock Spa & Salon.
Casino operations will continue running seamlessly during the project
The transition of the non-smoking areas has already begun and involves replacing all carpet, table felts, and chairs. Additionally, the ceilings are being treated, and slot machines and walls are undergoing deep cleaning.
Despite all the work being done, Hard Rock doesn't anticipate any slowdown in gaming operations. Relevant slot machines have been moved to the Event Center until the project is finished in late 2026.
The development of more smoke-free areas follows Hard Rock Tampa's $65 million in renovations last year. During this project, the casino added the Harvest Buffet, 350 slot machines, and renovated 240 hotel rooms.
Other notable Hard Rock news
Besides improvements to Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel Tampa, this casino brand had some big online news recently.
Available in Michigan and New Jersey, Hard Rock Bet Casino recently delivered one of the biggest progressive jackpot slots prizes in U.S. iGaming history.
Rose M., a Linden, NJ resident, hit a $2,949,857 windfall while playing Long Xing Da Da earlier this month. She opted into the Hard Rock Jackpots feature and performed a $2 spin on Long Xing Da Da.
She initially thought there was a glitch after seeing the win flash across her screen. But after checking her account balance, Rose realized she had actually won one of the biggest real money online slots prizes ever at a licensed U.S. gaming site.
Anybody interested in playing for large progressive jackpots might want to use the Hard Rock Bet Casino bonus, which currently offers 500 bonus spins and up to $1,000 in lossback credits.
Responsible gambling
Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.
Written by Jeremy Olson
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