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Ottawa Casinos Guide

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History of Casinos in Ottawa

The casino sector in Ottawa has evolved and expanded in a way that reflects the industry’s rise in Canada. Gambling in this province traces its roots back to the 19th century, when informal betting and games of chance were prevalent among indigenous people and settlers.

The casino industry as we know it today was shaped much later, with the first big change coming in 1969 when amendments allowed for lotteries to be held. This effectively paved the way for casinos in Ottawa and all of Canada.

However, the first casino in Ottawa would come at a much later date. The first taste came in the 1990s when the neighbouring Ontario government started exploring the potential of using casino gaming as a source of revenue.

This led to the opening of the Casino de Hull in 1996, located in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the river from Ottawa. Although it was never within Ottawa’s city limits, the casino drew plenty of visitors from the city and soon became the ideal venue for players in this region. The casino remains incredibly popular but has since been renamed Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Ottawa finally got its very own casino in 2015 through the Rideau Carleton Raceway. The establishment was expanded to include a casino and rebranded as the Rideau Carleton Casino. It started introducing slot machines in the 2000s and now offers several gaming options, including table games and live horse racing.

In 2017, it was announced that the Rideau Carleton Casino would be revamped and rebranded once more, this time under the direction of Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, who bought the venue that same year. The new casino aims to open in 2025.

Overview of Major Casinos in Ottawa

Although the Rideau Carleton Casino is technically the only casino in Ottawa, there are several other major casinos in the vicinity, including the Casino du Lac-Leamy and Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands.

These venues come with a fantastic selection of gaming options, along with accommodation and entertainment options that range from fine dining to live performances, nightclubs, and more. The casinos bolster the city’s entertainment scene while contributing to the local economy by creating jobs and bringing in tourists.

Comparison of Amenities and Offerings

The casinos in the vicinity of Ottawa come with a varied range of amenities that go beyond gaming. The Rideau Carleton Casino has more than 1,200 slot machines, table games, and live horse racing, along with dining options such as buffets and casual restaurants. The venue frequently hosts live events and harness races.

In comparison, the nearby Casino du Lac-Leany is a more lavish affair. It has more luxurious amenities, with more than 1,800 slot machines and table games, a five-star hotel, fine dining restaurants, a spa, and a theatre for live performances.

Rideau Carleton Casino

Located in the southern part of Ottawa, the Rideau Carleton Casino is effectively the only casino within the city’s limits. It was originally established in 1962 under the name Rideau Carleton Raceway as a harness racing venue, and over time, the establishment has expanded significantly to become a fully-fledged casino. The venue was subsequently renamed Rideau Carleton Casino.

In 2017, the casino was purchased by Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, who now operate the venue. A planned investment will refresh the site, adding amenities such as a hotel and transforming it into the Hard Rock Casino Ottawa.

When it comes to gaming, the Rideau Carleton Casino has more than 1,200 slot machines and a fantastic lineup of table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. You will also find high-stake tables that can provide a different experience.

Beyond the gaming floor, the venue has several entertainment options, most notably the regular live harness racing events. These used to be the main attraction back when the establishment was a racetrack, and they still bring in racing enthusiasts and curious tourists. Additionally, you will find frequent live music concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.

There are several dining options, with restaurants and bars throughout the establishment. Most offer a more casual dining experience, including Caffe Italiano, Mr. Lucky’s, and the Sushi and Tempura Bar.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

Although the Rideau Carleton Casino is currently Ottawa’s only casino, it will soon get a major facelift and be turned into the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa. The development is still ongoing, making significant expansions to the Rideau Carleton Casino with plans to open in 2025.

The new venue will come with a significantly improved gaming floor that offers high-end slot machines and varied table games that can rival the best casinos out there. However, the biggest change comes with the addition of a hotel, offering premium accommodations for tourists and business travellers. It promises to reflect Hard Rock’s signature style and vibe, blending modern amenities with music memorabilia and stylized décor.

The dining options will also get a boost, with the new facilities promising to add more cuisine varieties and fine dining options. The entertainment section of the casino will also be revamped, allowing for bigger and bolder performances to happen on stage.

Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands

The Rideau Carleton Casino may be the only venue within the city itself, but there are a few other major casinos in the vicinity. This includes the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario, which is around a two-hour drive from the city. It’s based in the scenic Thousand Islands region, mixing casino games with dynamic entertainment and a picturesque setting.

When it comes to gaming options, you’re treated to more than 500 slot machines and a slate of popular table games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker. There are tables suited for casual players and high rollers, making sure everyone gets the experience they’re looking for.

Additionally, the Shorelines Casino Thousand Islands comes with a diverse array of dining options. The most popular eatery is the Windward Restaurant, which offers a casual dining experience with a varied menu that suits different tastes. You'll also find a bar area where you can relax and socialize in a lively setting.

The casino hosts live entertainment events such as music concerts and stand-up comedy performances, adding to its appeal as an entertainment hub. The venue offers plenty of special events and performances, making sure engaging events are available for tourists and locals to enjoy.

Casino du Lac-Leamy

Another casino outside of Ottawa is the Casino du Lac-Leamy in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the Ottawa River from the city. The venue originally opened back in 1996, with luxurious amenities that have made it a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

It’s easily the biggest casino in the region, with more than 1,800 slot machines across its gaming floor. You'll also find a large selection of table games, including classic games such as baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and poker. The casino has one of the largest gaming floors you can visit, with enough tables to cover casual players and high rollers.

Gaming only forms a fraction of the entertainment that Casino du Lac-Leamy has to offer. The venue comes with exceptional amenities, including the five-star Hilton Lac-Leamy hotel, which offers stunning views of Leamy Lake. You can dine at a selection of on-site restaurants, with fine dining options such as Le Baccara, which offers exquisite cuisine and an award-winning wine list. The complex also has a spa and wellness center, offering relaxation and rejuvenation services.

Live entertainment forms another pillar of the Casino du Lac-Leamy experience, and this mostly happens at the Theatre du Casino. The theatre hosts live performances, concerts, comedy shows, and full-scale theatrical productions. You’ll also find a range of bars and lounges to unwind and enjoy live music.

Casino Games Offered in Ottawa

The casinos in and around Ottawa offer a wide range of diverse gaming options that cater to all types of players.

Classic table games give you a traditional casino experience, and these casinos offer favourites such as blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat. You’ll find different variations for each game, including several electronic versions that resemble the online versions of the games you find in online casinos. If you’d like a more classic experience, you can find a table with a live dealer.

Table games mix luck with strategy, and this is incredibly clear in blackjack, where you need to use your tact to decide if hitting for another card will bring you closer to a win or bust you out of the game. Roulette is more based on chance; the spinning wheel will ultimately decide if you win or lose.

Baccarat may seem like a simpler game, but it attracts plenty of high rollers thanks to its deeper strategies. On the other hand, poker games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha draw a large crowd largely thanks to their regular tournaments and rewarding cash prizes.

Those who are looking for a more straightforward gameplay experience can turn to the slot machines at Ottawa’s casinos. These come with a wide variety of themes and gameplay, ranging from classic three-reel slots to flashy video slots with complex mechanics and progressive jackpots that offer substantial rewards. They also come with bonus features such as free spins, win multipliers, and mini-games, adding more appeal for visitors who may not be very experienced.

Overall, Ottawa’s casinos come with a great selection of games, and you can try a mix of classic table games and innovative slot machines.

Casino Promotions and Loyalty Programs

Many casinos use promotional offers to attract and retain players, and the venues in and around Ottawa are no different. The offers themselves change on a daily, weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis, but there’s always something new to look out for. This can be free play credits, new member bonuses, or even discounts on dining and entertainment. You can find these on the casino’s website or on the gaming floor itself.

You’ll also find loyalty programs that reward you for sticking to a particular venue. The Casino du Lac-Leamy, for example, offers a points system wherein you accumulate points for every wager you make. These can then be redeemed for a variety of perks, such as complimentary meals, hotel stays, show tickets, or even cashback rewards. The more points you manage to build up, the better the rewards you can claim.

Responsible Gambling Practices

Responsible gambling practices are important at any casino, and the venues in the Ottawa area embrace these practices to create a safer and more sustainable gaming environment.

Entrance into the casino is strictly for those aged 19 and older. The staff at the casinos ask for ID if the person in question looks like they’re under 30; if they appear to be under 21, they can even ask for two forms of identification. Casinos also let you set time and money limits and have helpline numbers displayed prominently on their gaming floors. Staff are trained to identify signs of problem gambling and intervene appropriately.

With this proactive approach, casinos in Ottawa can help mitigate potential issues before they escalate further. Several support services are readily accessible at Ottawa casinos, such as the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline. These offer confidential counselling, support groups, and referrals for specialized treatment programs. Players can also choose to voluntarily ban themselves from entering casinos for a specified period using self-exclusion programs.

FAQs

Are Casinos Open in Ottawa?

There are several casinos open 24/7 in Ottawa.

Are There Casinos in Ottawa?

There is currently only one casino in Ottawa, with a few others located very close by.

Can You Exchange Money at a Casino in Ottawa?

Yes, but you must only use Canadian Dollars at the casino.

What Age to Enter a Casino in Ottawa?

You must be at least 19 years old to enter a casino in Ottawa.

Learn more about different Canadian casinos

Rideau Carleton Casino

Rideau Carleton Casino is located just a few minutes away from Ottawa International Airport. It has more than 1,200 slot machines, including the latest releases from Aristocrat Gaming. It also offers table games such as blackjack, baccarat, poker and roulette.

Hard Rock International Ottawa Casino

Hard Rock International Ottawa is set to open in May 2025. The legendary operator, which already runs 13 casinos, including the Mirage in Las Vegas and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, is bringing world-class gaming to Ottawa.

Casino du Lac-Leamy

The Casino du Lac-Leamy is located in Gatineau, Quebec, on the lake. You can reach the resort in just 10 minutes from downtown Ottawa