December  9, 2009 --TAMPA -- Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Palace Resorts, with resort holdings in the Caribbean, will rebrand the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in the Dominican Republic as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana by spring.

Terms of the deal involving the 121-acre property, which includes an 1,800-room hotel, were not revealed. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana will offer more than 48,000 square feet of gaming space, with a high-limit poker room, a VIP lounge and a race and sports book, along with 457 slot machines and 40 tables. Games will include baccarat, blackjack, craps and roulette.

The Seminole Tribe acquired the Hard Rock brand in 2007, with plans for international expansion of Hard Rock properties. The tribe also owns the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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