These slot machines at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City look just like those you see on the gaming floor. But there are a couple key differences.

Namely, these slots aren’t actually on the gaming floor, but in a locked room without public access. And in order to play these particular slots, you use an online device and receive a virtual invite.

But not to worry, it’s all by design.

Soon after a big first for Hard Rock International – the world’s first Guitar Hotel in Hollywood – comes another, albeit smaller in size one: “live slots” in Atlantic City.

The live slot machines are played online at HardRockCasino.com. There are currently 12 live slots with room to expand, officials said.

To play the slots you don’t have to be at the Hard Rock, or even a New Jersey resident, but players do have to be within New Jersey’s borders.

The idea is part of a partnership with Softweave – an Israeli software company that specializes in the live slot technology.

The concept allows patrons to play slot machines from the comfort of their home, instead of in person on the casino floor. While it’s a virtual experience, the player is controlling real slots.

Officials said it’s a way for online players to take their chances on some of the most popular land-based slot games – such as Leprecoins, Buffalo, Spitfire Multipliers, Hotter than Blaze and 3x4x4x Double Times Pay.

From the “live slots” section of HardRockCasino.com, players will see the row of real slots, as if they were walking through Hard Rock Atlantic City. Patrons can then choose their favorite machine, and even return to it later, provided it’s not occupied.

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, whenever you win, you get a payout – the live slot way is through a linked bank account that allows both deposits and withdrawals. Players also can earn rewards.

Lupo also verified something that’s on every player’s mind: Yes, the odds of winning are the same as if you were playing in person.

From Akron, Ohio, Lupo has been Hard Rock Atlantic City president since November 2018. He previously worked in the industry in Las Vegas and was the president of Hard Rock Tampa for two years.

“So far the response to live slots has been great. We hope to expand quite soon,” Lupo said.

Hard Rock Atlantic City opened in 2018 after a $500 million renovation of the former Trump Taj Mahal.

More information is at HardRockCasino.com.