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Rideau Carleton Casino Guide | LeoVegas

Rideau Carleton Casino Guide

Rideau Carleton Casino is located just a few minutes away from Ottawa International Airport and is the only casino in the city. 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.

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However, it is important to note that Rideau Carleton Casino is about to be turned into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa. Hard Rock International has been operating Rideau Carleton Casino since 2017 and is in the midst of building a new casino at the same location, which will open in late spring 2025.

Introduction to Rideau Carleton Casino

Rideau Carleton Raceway opened at the end of 1962 and hosted harness racing. However, poor money management meant that the racetrack was in receivership within one year of opening. Fortunately, the racetrack was saved, and it still hosts and specializes in standardbred harness horse racing on Thursdays and Sundays.

Rideau Carleton Raceway turned itself into a fully-fledged casino in 2000 after getting a gaming license, installing slot machines, and offering table games.

Since 2000, Rideau Carleton Casino has become a major entertainment hub in Ottawa. It’s incredibly popular because it is a place in the city where you can play slots and table games. However, Rideau Carleton is more than just a casino. It has weekly rock concerts, which are popular with a diverse crowd, and some bars that stay open late.

The site is also home to excellent dining options, including an authentic Italian spot and a sushi restaurant known for serving fresh rolls. Rideau Carleton often runs generous promotions.

History and Development

Rideau Carleton Raceway was opened by James William Baskin in September 1962. The racetrack is a five-eighths-mile oval, and the design was inspired by Scioto Downs.

It wasn’t until 38 years later, in 2000, that Rideau Carleton Raceway added its first slot machines after being licensed by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). The casino then expanded its offerings even further by adding table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker.

Rideau Carleton Casino is the only legal and licensed casino in Ottawa. Since transforming into a casino, Rideau Carleton has provided the City of Ottawa with more than $90 million in tax revenue, which has been reinvested into the local community. Rideau Carleton also employs more than 400 Ottawans.

In 2007, Hard Rock International purchased a controlling stake in Rideau Carleton Casino. They are currently transforming Rideau Carleton Casino into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Hard Rock has invested $350 million and will build a 150-room hotel, 10 restaurants, a sportsbook, and a 4,000-person capacity theatre. The Hard Rock International Ottawa is scheduled to open in May 2025.

Location and Accessibility

Rideau Carleton Casino is located at 4837 Albion Rd S, Gloucester, ON K1X 1A3, Canada, which is 19.5 km from downtown Ottawa and less than 10 minutes from Ottawa International Airport.

There is a shuttle service from the Greenboro transit station to Rideau Carleton Casino. It runs every hour from 8:30 am to 12:30 am.

Rideau Carleton Casino offers free on-site parking. Valet parking is available for a fee, although it is free for VIP Icon players. The entire facility is fully accessible, and wheelchairs are available.

Casino Facilities Overview

Rideau Carleton Casino has more than 1,200 slot machines, including games from Aristocrat Gaming. Some of the popular slots are Tarzan Vs Wild, Journey To The Planet Moolah, Buffalo Ultimate Stampede and Dragon Link.

Rideau Carleton Casino offers numerous table games, including blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat and mini-baccarat. Unfortunately, pai gow and craps are no longer available. However, they are expected to be reintroduced when the casino transforms into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Rideau Carleton Casino has closed its buffet, but there are plenty of great dining options. For example, Mr. Lucky’s is a good spot for a slice of pizza and pastries, while Constant Grind is a solid choice if you are hungry for a sandwich or salad.

If you are looking for something more upscale, Caffe Italiano serves authentic Italian cuisine, including delicious pastas. The tuna sashimi is a popular menu item at Sushi & Tempura.

Rideau Carleton Casino regularly holds live music events and recently unveiled a brand-new venue, The Joint, which can host up to 400 people and has a central bar, TVs, projectors and a VIP seating area.

Although this casino doesn’t have a hotel on site, there are a lot of accommodation options nearby thanks to Rideau Carleton’s proximity to Ottawa International Airport. Here are some hotels situated a short drive from the casino:

  • Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
  • Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa Airport
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Ottawa Airport
  • Rideau Heights Inn
  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Airport, an IHG Hotel

Gaming Experience

Rideau Carleton Casino has blackjack, roulette, baccarat, mini-baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, free bet and Mississippi stud. You can also play Blazing 7s Progressive, which is a blackjack side bet where you win extra cash based on the number 7s in your or the dealer’s hand.

The minimum bet at table games such as blackjack and baccarat is $5 per hand. You can bet up to $5,000+ per round on major table games.

The table games at Rideau Carleton Casino run from 12 pm to 4 am on Sunday to Thursday and from 12 pm to 6 am on Friday and Saturday.

Rideau Carleton Casino has more than 1,200 slot machines. You bet anywhere from $0.10 up to $10 per spin. There is a special Aristocrat Gaming lounge with 52 slots, including smash-hit games such as Dollar Storm, Dragon Link, and Lightning Link.

You will find every slot theme available, from space to ancient Egyptian, along with lots of classic games. Rideau Carleton Casino also has video slots with cutting-edge mechanics like Hold and Win and cascading reels.

Invaders Attack From The Planet Moolah is a well-known title. In this space-themed game, winning symbols explode and are replaced by new ones that can create new wins. There is also a progressive jackpot.

Another popular slot is Bank Buster. In this game, you plot a heist and use the free games in hopes of escaping the bank with cash prizes. There is also a progressive jackpot, and you can buy into the bonus game at any moment.

Rideau Carleton Casino has a private high-limit area and a special exclusive lounge. Here, you can bet $100,000+ per hand, and there is a selection of special slots.

Hours of Operation

Rideau Carleton Casino is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Breakfast is served from 9 am to 11 am.

Entry Requirements

You must be 19 years or older to enter Rideau Carleton Casino, and you may be asked to show ID.

FAQs

Is the Rideau Carleton Casino open?

Rideau Carleton Casino is open. You can visit the casino 24/7; the current construction of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa doesn’t impact Rideau Carleton Casino.

Does Rideau Carleton Casino have a shuttle service?

There is a shuttle service from the Greenboro transit station to Rideau Carleton Casino. It runs every hour from 8:30 am to 12:30 am.

How many slots are there at Rideau Carleton Casino?

Rideau Carleton Casino has 1,200 slots. You can also play blackjack, baccarat, and roulette.

Are there buses from downtown Ottawa to Rideau Carleton Casino?

There are buses from downtown Ottawa to Rideau Carleton Casino. You catch the 6 toward Greenboro and get off at 1145 Hunt Club, then hop on the 93 toward Leitrim.

How much is the buffet at Rideau Carleton Raceway?

The buffet is no longer available at Rideau Carleton Raceway. It has been replaced by Mr. Lucky’s.

What are the Rideau Carleton Casino’s operating hours?

Rideau Carleton Casino operates 24/7.

Is there an age restriction for entering the Rideau Carleton?

You must be at least 19 years old to enter Rideau Carleton Casino and will need to show your ID card, driver's license or passport to verify your age.

How can I join the loyalty rewards program?

Visit the Rock Star Rewards Desk at Rideau Carleton Casino to join the rewards program.

What are the nearest accommodation options?

Some of the hotels near Rideau Carleton Casino are Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport, Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport, and Ramada by Wyndham Ottawa On The Rideau.

How can I apply for a job at Rideau Carleton Casino?

You can apply for a job at Rideau Carleton Casino by going to the careers section of their official site.

What dining options are available for vegetarians/vegans?

Constant Grind has great vegan salads, Sushi and Tempura Bar has vegan sushi, and Caffe Italiano has vegetarian pastas. All of the restaurants at Rideau Carleton Casino are very accommodating to requests.

Are there smoking areas in the casino?

Smoking is not permitted inside Rideau Carleton Casino, but there are smoking areas outside.

Learn more about different Canadian casinos