On Monday, May 15, ‘HR Ottawa, LP,’ which will be known as ‘Hard Rock Casino Ottawa,’ announced that it has been selected by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to be the service provider for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle 1, which will transition the existing structure and operations into Hard Rock Casino Ottawa.

The Monday announcement explains that the Hard Rock Casino Ottawa partnership consists of HR LP Investor Inc. (owned by Hard Rock International) and RCR Investor Inc. (owned by Rideau Carleton Raceway Holdings Limited).

Pending required approvals, Hard Rock International and RCR plan to potentially invest more than $320 million during a multi-phase construction process to ultimately create an electrifying, integrated entertainment destination incorporating thrilling nightlife, world-class gaming, decadent cuisine and the heart of the Hard Rock brand, music.

"We are delighted to bring the iconic Hard Rock International casino operator to Ottawa," Rideau Carleton Raceway Director Andrew Wright was quoted as saying in the release. "Rideau Carleton Raceway has partnered with Hard Rock to build a major tourist destination that will offer multi-level entertainment, energized horse racing, a broader market and substantial economic benefits for all of our employees, patrons, and the Ottawa community."

More information regarding the bundle-operator selection is in the Hard Rock International release on the subject, which appears below.

Hard Rock International and Rideau Carleton Raceway Announce Hard Rock Casino Ottawa

Following a competitive procurement process, "HR Ottawa, LP," which will be known as Hard Rock Casino Ottawa, announces it has been selected by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to be the service provider for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle 1, transitioning the existing structure and operations into Hard Rock Casino Ottawa. The Hard Rock Casino Ottawa partnership consists of HR LP Investor Inc. (owned by Hard Rock International) and RCR Investor Inc. (owned by Rideau Carleton Raceway Holdings Limited). Pending required approvals, Hard Rock International and RCR plan to potentially invest more than $320 million during a multi-phase construction process to ultimately create an electrifying, integrated entertainment destination incorporating thrilling nightlife, world-class gaming, decadent cuisine and the heart of the Hard Rock brand, music.

Working in close collaboration with OLG, HR Ottawa, LP will enter a transfer period to allow for a transition of current day-to-day operations, resulting in a seamless evolution of the property. Additionally, HR Ottawa, LP will be a key proponent of responsible gaming, integrating leading educational tools and resources to help guests keep gambling safe and fun, and to provide assistance and referrals for those in need of support.

"We're thrilled to have been chosen by OLG to create Hard Rock Casino Ottawa," said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. "This is a crucial first step towards a larger strategic vision of our world-class brand's expansion efforts in Ontario and throughout Canada. We are honoured to partner with RCR, a reputable and longstanding member of the Ottawa community, and look forward to working with both the RCR and OLG team members through the transition and beyond."

Together, Hard Rock International and RCR will transform the existing property with a complete remodel, rebrand and significant expansion, leading to an economic development boost. The multi-phase project is expected to potentially create 1,900 construction-related jobs and 2,000 direct and indirect ongoing jobs.

"We are delighted to bring the iconic Hard Rock International casino operator to Ottawa," said Andrew Wright, director of Rideau Carleton Raceway. "Rideau Carleton Raceway has partnered with Hard Rock to build a major tourist destination that will offer multi-level entertainment, energized horse racing, a broader market and substantial economic benefits for all of our employees, patrons, and the Ottawa community."

The anticipated first phase of the capital investment project for Hard Rock Casino Ottawa is expected to be completed within the first year of operations, pending required approvals. It will encompass a dramatic renovation, including a redesign of the gaming floors. Additionally, phase one will include updates to the arrival experience, porte cochère, signage, racetrack and grandstand. Pending required approvals, the subsequent expansion program will bring the addition of a Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock Live entertainment venue, a Hard Rock Cafe & Center Bar, a Rock Shop where fans can purchase the brand's iconic merchandise, innovative music displays and memorabilia from the brand's curated collection, as well as more than 13,000 square metres of gaming space with additional slot machines and table games.

A press conference will be held today, Monday, May 15, at Rideau Carleton Raceway's Banquet Room at 3:15 p.m. to discuss Hard Rock Casino Ottawa. Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen, Rideau Carleton Raceway Director Andrew Wright and OLG President and CEO, Stephen Rigby will be available for comment.

For additional information on Hard Rock International, please visit www.hardrock.com.