Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International (HRI) and Hard Rock Digital and chief executive officer of Seminole Gaming, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 28th annual East Coast Gaming Congress (ECGC) on April 16 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

ECGC is the longest running gaming conference in the United States.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard-working team at Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, whose dedication and passion have driven our success,” Allen said in a statement. “I extend my deepest gratitude to the Seminole Tribe of Florida for their continued leadership and am proud of what we have accomplished from expanding our global footprint, to innovating in the gaming and hospitality industries, and forming incredible alliances with icons in entertainment and sports. This award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries and setting new standards of excellence. Thank you to the East Coast Gaming Congress for this incredible honor.”

Since 2001, Allen has been responsible for the tribe’s gaming, hospitality and entertainment operations. Allen helped lead the tribe’s acquisition of HRI in 2007 and has overseen the company’s growth which now includes venues in nearly 80 countries spanning more than 300 locations including Hard Rock cafes, hotels, casinos, Rock Shops and live music venues, and more than 60,000 system-wide employees.

Hard Rock is involved in supporting several areas such as women empowerment, breast cancer research and awareness, and the battle against human trafficking. Additionally, Hard Rock has expanded its presence in the sports industry with its naming rights agreement for Hard Rock Stadium in Miami and partnerships with the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix, Oracle Red Bull Racing, soccer star Lionel Messi, NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr., and others, as well as the creation of Hard Rock Digital, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform.

Hard Rock Stadium will host World Cup soccer games in 2026. Allen serves on the Miami Host Committee board of directors for the event.