HARD ROCK International has received Cabinet approval for a proposed integrated resort development in Montego Bay, clearing a key government hurdle for a planned hotel and casino within a wider three-phase development, with projected investment of US$756.9 million.

The approval was disclosed to the Jamaica Observer last Monday by a person familiar with the process who asked not to be identified because the decision had not yet been publicly announced.

Hard Rock subsequently confirmed the approval in written responses to Business Observer queries.

“Hard Rock International is pleased to confirm that we have been granted a provisional casino licence for an integrated resort in Montego Bay,” the company said on Friday.

“We are honoured by this opportunity and look forward to bringing our distinctive blend of world-class hospitality, entertainment, and exceptional guest experiences to Jamaica.”

Hard Rock did not identify the government authority that issued the approval, the legal entity that received it, or any conditions attached.

The approval moves the project forward but it does not by itself permit Hard Rock or an affiliated company to operate a casino in Jamaica.

Casino Gaming Commission Chief Executive Officer Cleveland Allen, responding to questions from the Business Observer, said Jamaica’s regulatory framework requires separate approvals for an integrated resort development and the operation of a casino.

At the first stage, a developer must secure approval from the minister responsible for finance through an Approved Integrated Resort Development (AIRD) Order under Section 9 of the Casino Gaming Act.

“The making of an AIRD Order does not, by itself, authorise casino gaming,” Allen said. “Rather, it establishes the developer’s eligibility to proceed to the second stage by applying to the Casino Gaming Commission for a casino gaming licence.”

Allen did not say whether an AIRD Order has been formally issued for the Hard Rock development or whether Hard Rock or an affiliated Jamaican company has applied to the commission for a casino gaming licence.

Jamaica allows casinos only as part of larger tourism developments offering hotel accommodation, entertainment, sporting facilities, and other visitor services.

Government filings place the proposed Hard Rock hotel and casino within a three-phase development on the same property in Montego Bay.

A table prepared by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (Jampro), and included in the Government of Jamaica’s annual report for the 2025/26 financial year, identifies UNICO Resort as the first phase of the Hard Rock Hotel development.

The 451-room UNICO is under construction. Work began in October 2023 and completion is expected by the end of 2026, according to the report. Jampro placed the projected capital expenditure at US$250.2 million and estimated that the development would generate 1,000 temporary and 1,000 permanent jobs.

The second phase, identified as Hard Rock Hotel – Phase 2 – RCD Hotel Group, is projected to have 1,100 rooms and require US$373.3 million in capital expenditure.

Jampro said land clearing and preliminary groundwork had started on that phase, which will be built on the same Montego Bay property adjacent to UNICO. It projected 1,300 temporary jobs during development and 1,200 permanent positions.

DOMA Residences, the third phase, is planned as a 250-room development valued at US$133.4 million. The government report said construction was estimated to begin in 2026 on the same property, beside UNICO and the Hard Rock hotel.

Together, the three phases account for a projected 1,801 rooms, US$756.9 million in capital expenditure, 3,300 temporary jobs and 3,200 permanent positions, based on the figures supplied to Jampro.

The government filing does not specify whether Cabinet’s integrated resort approval covers all three phases or only the proposed hotel and casino component.

Hard Rock International is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which acquired the brand in 2007. The company says its network comprises more than 300 hotels, casinos, cafes, entertainment venues and retail locations across more than 80 countries.

The process followed by Princess Grand Jamaica Resort in Green Island, Hanover, illustrates the distinction between approval of an integrated resort and the licensing of its casino.

Allen said an AIRD Order for the Princess Integrated Resort Development was issued in August 2023. The resort opened in December 2024, and an application for a casino gaming licence was submitted in August 2025.

The commission approved the application in July 2026 after completing its assessment and due diligence. It was the first casino operator’s licence granted under Jamaica’s regulatory framework.

The licence was issued to Adamas Grand Casino Limited, which will operate the proposed casino at Princess Grand under a management agreement with Grupo Orenes, a Spanish gaming and hospitality company.

The licence does not allow the casino to open immediately. Adamas must first meet the commission’s pre-operational requirements and receive clearance to begin operating.