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Canada's first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, has recently announced that it has appointed Ottawa Senators' Jakob Chychrun as community ambassador. In the position, the 25-year-old defenseman will promote local initiatives, such as mental health programs. He will also endorse ‘money can't buy experiences' including participating in VIP member experiences.

Currently, known as Rideau Carleton Casino, the athlete joins the property which has begun its two-year expansion. Once complete, the gaming location will officially rebrand to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa which will be the first Hard Rock casino in Canada. The CA$318-million project was on schedule to start earlier but it was delayed due to the unprecedented situation.

An Easy Choice

The partnership is an easy fit for the hockey player who grew up in South Florida where Hard Rock International is based, and whose father was born close to Ottawa in LaSalle, Quebec. Mr. Chychrun said that he is excited to partner with the global company, as they continue to lead the entertainment industry forward.

Helen MacMillan, General Manager, Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock welcomed the athlete onboard to the casino's family, as the location gains momentum prior to the launch of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa in early 2025. She noted that the sportsman understands the Hard Rock brand and said he is looking forward to helping in introducing the premium hospitality brand experience to Canadians.

The hockey player has already conducted his first task as a community ambassador as over the weekend he joined the casino's team for a VIP event. Thus, helping raise a CA$10,000 cheque for the Alzheimer Society. The casino has been a major contributor to the local economy, as since 2000 it has generated over CA$95 million for the City of Ottawa.

The gaming property remains committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling on its premises, and new casinos will feature a PlaySmart Centre. There, patrons will be able to gain gambling knowledge and tools to help build and maintain healthy playing habits, along with other responsible tools available to bettors throughout the location.

Ground is Now Broken

It should be recalled that on June 6, 2023, the casino operator along with elected officials, and business and community leaders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new expanded property. The event saw the Mayor of Ottawa and City officials, Seminole Tribe representatives, Hard Rock International officials, and representatives of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation in attendance.

Originally, the new and revamped casino was on course to be developed on the north side of the Rideau Carleton Casino which is currently operating in the area. However, in 2018 local officials changed their mind. Now, the south side will be made more family-friendly with new offerings, such as a 1,600-seat entertainment centre, dining offerings, and a hotel tower with 178 rooms available for booking.

Source: “Jakob Chychrun Partners with Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock as Community Ambassador” PR Newswire, August 21, 2023