OTTAWA, ON – February 25, 2025 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa announced today its alliance with the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) becoming the exclusive brick-and-mortar casino partner. The partnership reflects Hard Rock’s commitment to amplifying entertainment in its host cities.
In the final phase of the $350M construction project, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is preparing to welcome guests to its hotel, live theatre, new restaurants and revitalized gaming space.
“There is plenty to be excited about in Ottawa! Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa and the Ottawa Charge are two dynamic brands in our nation’s capital, and we are thrilled to partner with the team to offer premier entertainment options for thrill seekers in eastern Ontario and beyond,” said Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa President, Christine Crump.
“Throughout their inaugural season we watched from our season seats and nurtured a relationship with the Ottawa Charge. We recognize the significance of the PWHL for women and sport and to commemorate their historical inaugural season, we have a special piece of memorabilia that will hang in our newly renovated space. We can’t wait to share it with fans when we open the new facility!”
This partnership will come to life through in-arena experiences at Charge games, featuring interactive activations, high-energy intermission moments, and branding opportunities. Additionally, social media contests will give fans a chance to win a game-day experience and get even closer to the action.
“Hard Rock is synonymous with legendary moments and leading entertainment—the same energy we strive to bring to Ottawa Charge fans every game,” said Erin Thompson, Ottawa Charge Team Director. “Together, we’re excited to deliver more unforgettable experiences to Ottawa and continue building the passion that makes our city so special.”
For more information and updates, visit www.rideaucarletoncasino.com.
About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 74 countries spanning 313 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe.
HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World's Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years.
Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
About Rideau Carleton Casino (Future Home of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa)
Rideau Carleton Casino officially opened as Rideau Carleton Raceway in 1962, as Canada’s first-ever five-eighths mile oval and has been a key part of Ontario’s harness racing community ever since. Since the addition of gaming in February 2000, the City of Ottawa has received approximately $6 million annually and more than $106 million in total payments for hosting Rideau Carleton Casino within the National Capital Region. Rideau Carleton Casino also invests in multiple local sponsorships and nonprofits annually, benefiting the community and residents.
With eager anticipation of the opening of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, Rideau Carleton Casino remains open 24/7, ready to serve their guests with the same dedication and excitement. In May 2017, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) selected Hard Rock International as the successful new casino partner for this site. Hard Rock is working to build a new state-of-the-art entertainment facility that will soon bring the iconic Hard Rock brand to Ottawa and enliven the city like never before. Future amenities will include a contemporary hotel design with 150 rooms, including 22 suites, expanded gaming floor including 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, and high-limit gaming. Guests can enjoy more than 10 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe and Council Oak Steakhouse. The resort will also be home to the classic Rock Shop, a 1,800 plus seat Hard Rock Live venue, and authentic music memorabilia.
The facility is a significant driver of job creation and is expected to employ over 700 local residents once the expansion is completed. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa will continue the tradition of community investment through local sponsorships and nonprofit partnerships, enhancing the lives of residents and visitors alike.
Rideau Carleton Casino is operated by Hard Rock International and governed by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
For more information on Rideau Carleton Casino, visit rideaucarletoncasino.com. To learn more about the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, visit hardrockottawa.com.
About Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprised of six teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, and Toronto, each with rosters featuring the best women’s hockey players in the world. Launched on Jan. 1, 2024, the PWHL has broken multiple attendance records and holds the worldwide all-time record for a women’s hockey game. In 2024, the PWHL was recognized by Sports Business Journal as the Sports Breakthrough of the Year and received the top position in the first-ever Canadian edition of the Harris Poll, which ranks companies’ reputations. Visit thepwhl.com to purchase tickets and merchandise, and subscribe to the PWHL e-newsletter to receive the latest league updates. Follow the league on all social media platforms @thepwhlofficial.