Less than two weeks ago, the grand opening of Ottawa's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the first fully integrated Hard Rock resort in Canada, came to fruition. Not only will it have a strong impact on the community; it could also lead to a new player in the Ontario online casino market.
What's Inside the New Hard Rock Hotel in Ottawa?
The $350 million venue, which opened on July 3, transformed the former Rideau Carleton Raceway into a 150,000-square-foot entertainment property that includes everything one can ever want: Gaming, dining, accommodations, and yes, live performances.
The brand-new property offers 150 guest rooms, highlighted by 22 luxury suites, more than 1,000 slot machines, and 40 live-action table games. This includes high-limit areas, electronic tables, and a dedicated Baccarat room.
The complex's centerpiece is Hard Rock Live, an 1,800-to-2,200-seat venue that is designed for concerts, comedy, boxing events, and more.
Community Impact of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The new location is expected to generate over 600 local jobs and enhance regional tourism, and later this year, it will be expanding with larger casino floors and additional dining and retail options.
This is the second property to open in Canada within the last four months, with the opening of Hard Rock Hotel London in Ontario back in April, marking Hard Rock's first hotel in Canada. Their Ottawa property is the first hotel and casino.
Could it lead to a new Ontario casino app?
Could an Online Casino Be Next for Hard Rock?
It is believed that back in May, Hard Rock Digital had applied to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for an iGaming license, but the push to secure one was going to be shortly after the opening of the land-based casino, which occurred 11 days ago.
However, a lot of that depends on what happens with the sale of PointsBet in Australia, which is currently in a stalemate with Betr Entertainment and MIXI.
OntarioBets.com reached out to Hard Rock's media relations department late last week for an update and comment, but have not heard back.
Currently, there are 49 licensed operators and 84 gaming websites in the Ontario sports betting and casino market.
