Hard Rock CEO George Goldhoff Named CANJ President

George Goldhoff, President and CEO of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, has been elected president of the Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ), the trade body representing the state’s casino operators.

He succeeds Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO of Resorts Casino Hotel, who led the association for nearly four years.

Goldhoff’s Background

Goldhoff brings more than 30 years of experience across gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. He joined Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City in January 2023, having previously served as president of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, where he oversaw a full property rebrand and three years of growth that positioned it as a leading gaming destination in Ohio.

Earlier in his career, Goldhoff held executive roles across North America, including board membership at Chatters Salons, Canada’s largest professional hair-care chain, and the position of president and CEO of PURE Canadian Gaming, both portfolio companies of private equity firm ONCAP/ONEX. He also contributed to the launch of Bellagio Las Vegas and later served as general manager of Gold Strike Casino Resort.

Outside his operational role, Goldhoff serves on the boards of The Leadership Studio and Stockton University’s Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality & Tourism. He holds a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MBA from Columbia University.

Goldhoff on the Role

“It is an honor to step into the role of Casino Association of New Jersey president and continue the strong foundation that Mark Giannantonio helped build. 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. 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.” — George Goldhoff, CANJ President

Giannantonio’s Legacy

Giannantonio steps down after nearly four years at the helm of CANJ. Under his tenure, Atlantic City’s operators navigated the post-pandemic recovery, the full rollout of regulated online gaming and sports betting in New Jersey, and growing competitive pressure from Pennsylvania’s gaming market.

“It has been a privilege to serve as president of CANJ. 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.” — Mark Giannantonio, President and CEO, Resorts Casino Hotel

Atlantic City’s Competitive Horizon

The leadership transition comes at a critical moment for Atlantic City. New Jersey remains one of the most mature online gaming markets in the United States, generating consistent iGaming revenue that supplements land-based performance. At the same time, the state’s physical casinos face a medium-term challenge from New York, where the state gaming commission has approved three casino licences for the New York City area — a development that could redirect significant Northeast gaming spend away from Atlantic City once those properties open.

Caesars Entertainment, one of Atlantic City’s major operators, reported record digital growth in Q4 2025 but faces the same structural questions as the broader market around how land-based revenue holds up against expanding regional competition. Hard Rock’s position as one of the city’s newer and more heavily invested properties makes Goldhoff’s CANJ presidency significant: his appointment aligns the trade body’s leadership with the operators driving Atlantic City’s push toward an integrated resort identity.

As CANJ president, Goldhoff will represent member casinos before New Jersey’s legislature and regulators. His priorities are likely to include tax policy, workforce development, and the continued effort to position Atlantic City as a diversified entertainment destination beyond gaming alone.

Source: Yogonet International