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Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming expand human trafficking prevention initiatives

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the operators will partner with It’s A Penalty to utilize the global sporting event’s popularity as a ‘critical education platform’ for trafficking prevention.

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Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming expand human trafficking prevention initiatives
Key Points
Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will also host educational forums at its various properties, as well as expand its existing prevention programs
Since launching its SIQ program in 2021, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming stated the initiative has reached 3.2m students and 141,000 educators across the US and Mexico

Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming will recognize National Human Trafficking Prevention Month by hosting educational forums at its retail properties, broadening its existing prevention programs and forming a new partnership in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the operators will partner with It’s A Penalty to utilize the global sporting event’s popularity as a “critical education platform” for trafficking prevention. The campaign will debut in April 2026 and educates viewers on signs of human trafficking and how to report it, including specified outreach to victims and at-risk individuals. 

It’s A Penalty is also set to provide supplemental training for Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming team members to help improve frontline capabilities across the operator’s host cities. 

"Our responsibility extends far beyond providing world-class entertainment and hospitality experiences," Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming SVP of People & Inclusion Stephanie Piimauna said. 

"We recognize our unique position to identify, prevent and combat human trafficking. This year's initiatives reflect our commitment to community partnership and ensuring our programs serve those most vulnerable to exploitation."

On January 14 and 28, respectively, Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming will host a Warrior Workshop at its Hollywood, Florida property and an educational forum with community partner Covenant House at Hard Rock Hotel New York. 

Both events will allow those in attendance to share lived experiences and develop prevention strategies as well as explore practices which can “accelerate industry action to protect vulnerable youth.”

Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming also debuted its Social Identity Quest (SIQ) program in 2021, which has reached 3.2m students and 141,000 educators in the US and Mexico according to the operators. 

The SIQ program is meant to help students survey how they interact online to better identify human trafficking dangers and prevent risk. Hard Rock debuted three new SIQ programs in 2025, including a Spanish-language version, a program focusing on social media and information sharing and a platform to develop healthy online relationships. 

Good to know

Prior to its scheduled 2027 opening, Hard Rock International provided a construction update for its Las Vegas property on January 6, expected to feature 3,600 hotel rooms and 175,000 sq ft of gaming space

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