By Many people who visit Las Vegas in 2025 are hesitant to stay off The Strip. They worry they’ll be too far from the action. But that’s just not true if you look at the legacy of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The Hard Rock closed in 2020 and was fully reinvented as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, which officially reopened in March 2021. For the purposes of this review, we’ll reflect on what made the Hard Rock sportsbook and casino stand out, while noting how Virgin has carried the torch with updated amenities and style.
So whether you’re curious about the history of the Hard Rock or the current vibe at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, one thing hasn’t changed: being “off-Strip” doesn’t mean being out of the action. It’s closer than most visitors think.
Please note that when we refer to the “Hard Rock” in this article, we are referring to the hotel before its 2021 rebranding.
Hard Rock Sportsbook Experience
Don't fret if you don't have everything you need to know about the Hard Rock Las Vegas sportsbook or its hotel and casino. We've done the heavy lifting for you.
From where it's located and the hours of operation at the sportsbook to a comprehensive review of the casino, hotel and things to do, we've got everything you could ever need just below.
As already mentioned, though, please remember this spot has been rebranded as the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas sportsbook—and that our review is strictly based on the features it had before the rebranding. Some will have invariably changed, but the crux of the experience should still come across.
Pros of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Sportsbook divided into two sections
- Popular pool parties hosted on-site
- Sportsbook app you could sign up for
Cons of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Located off The Strip (though not too far)
- Permanently closed and rebranded as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Hard Rock Sportsbook Hours of Operation
- Monday-Friday: 12 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location of Hard Rock Sportsbook
Although the Hard Rock Las Vegas sportsbook was located off The Strip at 4455 Paradise Road, it wasn’t far from the hustle and bustle of Sin City. It was only a sub-five-minute car ride from Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran) and another quick ride to the center of The Strip near Paris Hoteland Planet Hollywood Casino.
Renting a car wasn’t necessary. The Hard Rock offered a free shuttle to and from the airport, and the property was technically within walking distance of The Strip.
For those with vehicles, the Hard Rock provided free self-parking and an optional valet service for an additional fee. These amenities were standard until the property closed in 2020 before its rebranding as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Placing Your Bets at the Hard Rock Sportsbook
Previously, the Hard Rock sportsbook was wall-to-wall screens and seating for its customers. Not only that, but they attempted to divvy up the room by purpose. One half was dedicated solely to horse racing. The rest was for all other sports.
Hard Rock always did a good job of running sensible hours. Opening up at 8:30 a.m. on the weekends allowed for Saturday college football bettors and Sunday NFL wagerers to capitalize on early-bird lines.
They also excelled at streamlining the transaction process. You did not have to be present in order to pick up your winnings. They had a pay-by-mail service in addition to a sportsbook app that could facilitate direct withdrawals and transactions from a provided account. Bettors were then able to wager on distant futures, like the next Super Bowl winner or NBA champion, knowing they wouldn't have to return to the Hard Rock's sportsbook to grab their potential prizes.
The Hard Rock offered convenient food and cocktails nearby, but nothing particularly extensive. A central bar inside the sportsbook would have been a natural improvement—encouraging guests to linger longer and eliminating the need to step out just to grab a drink or a bite.
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Hard Rock Casino
The Hard Rock casino floor spanned roughly 60,000 square feet, a size that carried over when the property was transformed into Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Most of the differences came in the design. Virgin Hotels replaced Hard Rock’s music-and-memorabilia theme with a more modern, upscale aesthetic. The famous collection of band and pop-culture artifacts that once filled the Hard Rock casino was removed, leaving longtime fans nostalgic for the original atmosphere.
The redesigned space retained all the usual options—slots, electronic table games, roulette machines, and live table games like poker, roulette, craps, and blackjack. Unlike Hard Rock, which never made a strong push for high rollers, Virgin Hotels added specialized lounges to appeal to bigger spenders on table games and slots.
Another noticeable shift came with drink service. At the Hard Rock, complimentary drinks were a standard perk for players. After the rebrand, Virgin emphasized a more upscale bar concept that stretched across the casino floor, moving away from free service. Guests were more likely to pay for drinks directly or use a voucher system similar to what’s long been in place at the Venetian.
The Hard Rock had operated its Wild Card Rewards loyalty program, but that ended once the property transitioned. Virgin Hotels introduced a new rewards structure tied to its brand identity. As with many casino programs, points were primarily earned from slots and table play, while sportsbook wagers generally did not count toward rewards.
Staying at the Hard Rock
When the Hard Rock was open, it was one giant fiesta.
DJ’d pool parties were the norm during the day, and celebrity DJs regularly performed at the nightclub. The property didn’t host many comedians or magicians, but it did feature residencies from famous singers, bands, and, of course, more DJs inside its amphitheater.
This made the Hard Rock a true destination. Concerts were held three to six nights a week, often by legendary acts, and even visitors staying on The Strip would make the trip specifically for the shows and pool parties.
With its affordable room rates, the Hard Rock naturally attracted a younger demographic. By contrast, Virgin Hotels’ 2021 rebrand signaled a move toward serving a broader base.
They did not abandon college-age guests and twenty-something partygoers altogether—the pool area remained a central draw, and DJ-driven events continued—but the overall design reflected a more restrained, upscale approach compared to the Hard Rock’s nonstop party image.
Room rates also rose with the shift. Where Hard Rock’s amenities were relatively basic (wifi, a gym, a business center), Virgin Hotels added higher-end touches, from upgraded in-room tech to luxury finishes.
The dining scene changed significantly as well. The Hard Rock had leaned heavily on casual options, including its iconic Hard Rock Café, while Virgin introduced multiple new restaurants and higher-end eateries alongside grab-and-go spots.
The renovation also brought expanded areas for conferences and private events. While this did not reduce the casino floor or room count, it influenced the kind of acts booked for the venue. Hard Rock had mainly souvenir shops, but Virgin diversified its retail options.
This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing—just a departure from the Hard Rock identity. The rebranded property took on a contemporary spin. By 2025, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas had positioned itself as more like an off-Strip Cosmopolitan or Bellagi than the youthful, all-night party scene of the Hard Rock.
