Figures from iGaming Ontario indicate that players wagered more than $51.7 billion on provincially regulated online casinos during the 2023-24 fiscal year, representing an 88 per cent increase from the previous year. The introduction of online casinos has contributed to provincial revenues and coincided with the ongoing operation of land-based casinos in Ontario.
The Hard Rock hotel and casino in Ottawa officially opened on July 3, 2025. This development adds a new gaming and entertainment venue to the city’s offerings.
According to CasinoBeats Canada, several online platforms provide various table games, slots, and strategy-based games, as well as welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. Some Ottawa residents continue to use these platforms, citing the convenience of playing from home and access to multiple payout methods.
Some residents may choose to visit the new resort, which offers a range of services beyond gaming. The opening of the Hard Rock casino in Ottawa adds a new option alongside the existing online gambling platforms in the city. The two provide different experiences, with the resort functioning as a destination that includes gaming, dining and live entertainment.
While online gambling in Ottawa is accessed by those who prefer playing from home, the resort offers a venue for social gatherings and events. The facility includes more than 1,500 slot machines, nearly 40 table games, a high-roller area and a 2,200-seat live concert venue. Ottawa now hosts one of Canada’s largest full-scale integrated casino resorts.
What the new casino means for residents is that it has already created hundreds of job opportunities during its construction and now supplies 700 positions in the operational resort. The surrounding Ottawa community also stands to benefit as the resort plans to host charity partnerships, support local suppliers, and attract out-of-towners just like the previous Rideau did.
The Hard Rock hotel and casino also caters to visitors of all kinds by offering choices. High rollers can enjoy VIP lounges or luxury baccarat rooms while everyday visitors experience the lively slot floor. Regular online casino players may also venture into the resort to soak in the social atmosphere or compare odds. Ottawa fits perfectly into the balance between online and land-based casinos in Ontario, allowing players to meet people in person or online.
The concert venue also blew audiences away on its opening night, which launched with Canadian icons like Katharine McPhee and David Foster. The same venue hosted Avril Lavigne on the 5th, revealing how the resort plans to fuel the demand for social events, concerts, live shows, and incredible dinners. Its ability to host top-tier talent means locals don’t have to travel to Montreal or Toronto because they can immerse themselves in music, theatre, and cultural events right here.
Hospitality was also impacted and transformed through the resort’s grand opening. A 150-room hotel keeps guests on site and provides easy access to signature venues like Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and the Hard Rock Café. The hotel boasts 19 accessible rooms and 22 suites to respond to the growing demand for comfortable accommodation.
The opening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino adds a new element to Ontario’s gaming landscape. The resort provides an additional option within the province’s broader gaming sector, offering an on-site entertainment experience for those seeking a venue with gaming, dining and live events.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on this page/site is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please be aware that gambling entails inherent risks, and participation in online gambling is done at your own risk. Online gambling is not regulated in all Canadian provinces, meaning consumer protections and oversight may not be in place depending on where you live.
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