OLG Selects Service Provider for Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle

TORONTO, May 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has selected HR Ottawa, LP (known as "Hard Rock Casino Ottawa") as the service provider for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle, following a competitive procurement process. 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).

"OLG has made an important step toward improving the customer experience in the Ottawa region," said Stephen Rigby, OLG's President and CEO. "The investments Hard Rock Casino Ottawa will make will substantially enhance the gaming entertainment experience, while increasing revenue for the Province and encouraging local economic development."

"We're honoured to have been chosen by OLG as the service provider for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle," said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. "Together with RCR, we plan to potentially invest more than $320 million to create an electrifying, integrated entertainment destination, leading to the potential creation of more than 1,900 construction-related jobs and 2,000 direct and indirect ongoing jobs and opportunities for the Ottawa community."

"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."

OLG has entered into a Transition and Asset Purchase Agreement with Hard Rock Casino Ottawa for the Ottawa Area Gaming Bundle, which sets out the customary closing conditions to be satisfied for OLG and Hard Rock Casino Ottawa to enter into a 20-year Casino Operating and Services Agreement (COSA). Under the COSA, Hard Rock Casino Ottawa will take over day-to-day operations of OLG Slots at Rideau Carleton Raceway.

OLG expects that the service provider will take over day-to-day operations in fall 2017. 

OLG employees will transfer to the new service provider and OLG will work with Hard Rock Casino Ottawa to ensure they have as smooth and seamless a transition as possible. This includes a requirement for the service provider to retain employees for a period of no less than 12 months in their current position and geographic location, and to provide eligible employees with benefits and a registered pension plan.

While Hard Rock Casino Ottawa will be responsible for the day-to-day gaming operations in the bundle, OLG will continue to:

• Conduct and manage gaming in the bundle
• Require compliance with applicable regulations set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
• Be the owner of key player information
• Uphold the standards of its Responsible Gambling program through the service provider, including the self-exclusion program
• Distribute Contribution Agreement payments to the host community

Hard Rock Casino Ottawa is required to follow all applicable laws including AGCO's regulated standards which require, among other things, rigorous Responsible Gambling policies and programs.

To OLG, the integrity of its procurement process is of the utmost importance. Throughout the procurement process, OLG has engaged the services of a Fairness Monitor to provide oversight and advice.

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.

With venues in 75 countries, including 175 cafes, 24 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Valencia, Innsbruck, Andorra la Vella and Chengdu. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Berlin, Dubai, London, Los Cabos, New York City, and Shenzhen, Dalian and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

Rideau Carleton Raceway Limited ("RCR")  has operated Rideau Carleton Raceway Entertainment Centre and standardbred racing since 1962.  RCR is a longstanding member of the Ottawa community. RCR takes great pride in the contributions they make, both to the citizens of the community and in support of the region's horse racing program. Residents and tourists have long visited RCR to enjoy the thrill of watching standardbred races, attend events, and more recently, to play OLG slots. RCR remains committed to supporting the Province's equestrian industry and live horse racing in Canada.

OLG is the Ontario government agency that delivers gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner. OLG conducts and manages gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, PlayOLG Internet gaming, the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres and is helping to build a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $44 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. These payments to the province support the operation of hospitals, amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program, local and provincial charities and problem gambling prevention, treatment and research.

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HARD ROCK INTERNATIONAL AND RIDEAU CARLETON RACEWAY ANNOUNCE HARD ROCK CASINO OTTAWA

Orlando, FL – May 15, 2017 – 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 honored 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 meters 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.

About Hard Rock International
With venues in 75 countries, including 175 cafes, 24 hotels and 11 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the company's two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Chicago, Cancun, Ibiza, Las Vegas, Macau and San Diego. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include Valencia, Innsbruck, Andorra la Vella and Chengdu. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Berlin, Dubai, London, Los Cabos, New York City, and Shenzhen, Dalian and Haikou in China. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.

About Rideau Carleton Raceway
Rideau Carleton Raceway Limited ("RCR")  has operated Rideau Carleton Raceway Entertainment Centre and standardbred racing since 1962.  RCR is a longstanding member of the Ottawa community. RCR takes great pride in the contributions they make, both to the citizens of the community and in support of the region's horse racing program. Residents and tourists have long visited RCR to enjoy the thrill of watching standardbred races, attend events, and more recently, to play OLG slots. RCR remains committed to supporting the Province's equestrian industry and live horse racing in Canada.

About Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
OLG is the Ontario government agency that delivers gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner. OLG conducts and manages gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, PlayOLG Internet gaming, the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres and is helping to build a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $44 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. These payments to the province support the operation of hospitals, amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program, local and provincial charities and problem gambling prevention, treatment and research. 

SOURCE OLG Winners

OLG MEDIA RELATIONS, 1-888-946-6716; Lauren Harrison/Jill Trudeau, The Zimmerman Agency, 850.668.2222, [email protected]