Hard Rock International recently moved into the “live” slot machine space at its Atlantic City property through HardRockCasino.com.

The 12 slot machines are located at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in New Jersey. They look exactly like the same ones found on the gaming floor – because they are actually real. The difference is you play them online from your home.

The concept has become especially popular in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that has seen the temporary closure of casinos across the U.S. – including those run by Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. (The Seminole Tribe of Florida is the parent company of Hard Rock International).

In addition, casino customers are, naturally, spending more time at home. For those who want to still play slots, Hard Rock offers the option.

The Atlantic City online slots, through HardRockCasino.com, recently had the biggest jackpot winner to date. Player “Gary M.” won $230,553 on a $5 bet, according to Nikki Balles, director of public relations and community affairs for the Hard Rock Atlantic City.

Balles said the winner – who was recently furloughed by his company – was playing the “Divine Fortune” slot machine when he won the jackpot amount.

Just two weeks before that jackpot, Balles said, the largest winner was “Michael M.” who won almost as much ($226,170) on the “Lock It Link” slot machine.

The unique Atlantic City slot machines are located in a locked room without public access. In order to play, you use an online device and receive a virtual invite from HardRockCasino.com.

While it’s a virtual experience, the player is controlling the real slots.

Hard Rock officials say there is room to expand the online slots in the future.

You don’t have to be a New Jersey resident to play, but at this time you do have to be located within the state’s borders.

Joe Lupo, the president of Hard Rock Atlantic City, said the experience is similar to live table games. In New Jersey, Hard Rock fans can already play those.

He said online gaming has been available in New Jersey for about six years, and that the live slots were a natural evolution for Hard Rock presence.

Just like the in-person experience, Lupo said, whenever you win, you get a payout – the live slot is linked to a bank account that allows both deposits and withdrawals. Players also can earn rewards.

For more about the “live” slots, click here for a previous story from the Seminole Tribune.