Aside from seeing an opportunity in a market that seems to be stabilizing following the closing of five of its 12 casinos since 2014, the deal makes sense in another way for Hard Rock: The firm has partnered with Meadowlands Racetrack operator Jeff Gural on plans for a casino resort in East Rutherford, just outside New York City, if New Jersey voters ever amend the state Constitution to allow casino gambling beyond Atlantic City. (A referendum to allow it was soundly defeated in November).