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Hard Rock Ottawa Fined for Violating Gaming Standards

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Hard Rock Casino Ottawa has been handed a $227,250 fine by Ontario’s gambling watchdog. The fine follows an investigation by the provincial Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), which revealed the gambling property committed thirty-six breaches of the gaming standards set by the country’s most populous province.

According to available information, Hard Rock Casino Ottawa sent marketing and advertising material to self-exclude players. The regulator’s audit revealed the operator had failed to implement anti-money-laundering policies and adequately protect its data and gaming systems.

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It’s believed that Hard Rock didn’t make sure the casino staff were properly trained on how to prevent money laundering. This is the largest fine imposed on a provincial casino operator in recent years.

Speaking about the regulator’s decision to fine Hard Rock, Tom Mungham, Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at the AGCO, stated:

The AGCO has the mandate and the responsibility to ensure casinos are operating with honesty, integrity, and in the public interest. These penalties are intended to drive the improvements needed at the Rideau Carleton Casino, and we will be carefully monitoring the casino’s activities to ensure these significant audit findings are addressed.

Hard Rock Casino Ottawa has been in charge of overseeing the everyday operations of the Rideau Casino since 2017. The property itself offers over 1,200 slot machines and a wide range of electronic table games, such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and craps.

Hard Rock is planning to considerably expand its casino, with the city’s council already approving the move. The operator intends to add an eight-storey hotel, a theatre with 1,600 seats, and over 4,000 square meters of restaurants. The latest fine should have no impact on the company’s expansion plans.

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