Hard Rock Atlantic City Executive Named President of Casino Association of New Jersey

^{George Goldhoff, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, will now lead the Casino Association of New Jersey. (Photo: Hard Rock Atlantic City / LinkedIn)}

The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) announced last Tuesday that Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City President George Goldhoff has been named the organization's new president.

Goldhoff will replace the previous president, Resorts Casino Hotel President and CEO Mark Giannantonio, who served in the role for nearly 4 years. 

Goldhoff Has Long History in Gaming Industry

Goldhoff has been in a leadership position at the Hard Rock Atlantic City since January 2023. 

Previously, he served as president of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, general manager of Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, and president and CEO of PURE Canadian Gaming.

“It has been a privilege to serve as president of CANJ,” Giannantonio said in a statement. “I am deeply passionate about this city and industry, and I believe we have a real opportunity to advance Atlantic City’s transformation as a premier destination for gaming, entertainment, and hospitality. We are at a critical turning point, and I am confident George is the right person to lead this organization into the future.”

Goldhoff said it is an “honor” to step into the role and continue what Giannantonio built.

“The Atlantic City casino industry plays a vital role in our state’s economy, from supporting jobs, to driving investment and attracting visitors from across the region,” Goldhoff said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside our members, local officials, and state leaders to build on this momentum and further strengthen Atlantic City’s position as a world-class resort destination.”

Goldhoff takes over during a period of transition for the Atlantic City casino industry, as online gambling revenues have now overtaken those from live casino venues.

While CANJ isn’t an organization that makes many headlines, it has been involved in some of the hot-button issues impacting the gaming industry in recent years.

Casino Industry Group Involved in Policy Debates

CANJ is a trade organization that advocates on behalf of the Atlantic City casino industry. It lists its goals as protecting and growing jobs in the casino industry across New Jersey, and continuing the city’s transformation into a world-class destination resort.

The association has opposed efforts by some workers’ unions and organizations to end the exemption from New Jersey’s 2006 Smoke-Free Air Actthat allows smoking on casino floors.

They have also argued that eliminating smoking at Atlantic City casinos would threaten revenues at the venues, potentially costing jobs for employees and taxes for the city and state. The New Jersey Supreme Court is currently considering legal and constitutional questions related to the lawsuit.

CANJ has also joined other gaming groups that have argued against Kalshi and other prediction markets, claiming they are not subject to state sports betting laws.