Hard Rock Bet Rolls Into Ontario, Taking Brand International for First Time

Hard Rock Bet (HRB) just took its business beyond US borders.

Hard Rock Digital (HRD) launched its online casino and sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, in Ontario, Canada, on Thursday, July 22, marking the brand’s initial foray into international markets. Choosing Ontario as its first outside market makes sense; the company already operates the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Ottawa. 

With the launch, Ontario bettors can now download Hard Rock Bet for Apple and Android. Customers can also play via its desktop site. HRB offers Ontario players over 3,000 casino games and sports betting.

In the release announcing the launch, HRD CEO and executive managing director Marlon Goldstein said this iteration of HRB is Ontario-specific:

Expanding into Ontario with Hard Rock Bet marks the first time we’ve brought our platform to an audience outside the US. We’re excited to introduce Ontario players to a premium entertainment experience that reflects the energy and service synonymous with the Hard Rock brand. And by investing in local talent, local partnerships, and localized customer support, we’re creating an experience designed specifically for Ontario players.”

Ontario is First, Will Alberta be Next?

In addition to Ontario, HRB’s online casino is available in New Jersey and Michigan. 

Its sportsbook operates in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. Additionally, Hard Rock Bet is Florida’s exclusive legal online betting platform, via the Seminoles’ compact with the state.

In all locations, including Ontario, players can access Legendary Reward Drops. 

The online rewards program serves up weekly guaranteed rewards and player promotions. As it is elsewhere, Hard Rock Bet Ontario is fully integrated into Unity by Hard Rock. The integration allows Ontario players to earn Unity Points they can later exchange for digital rewards on HRB’s Reward Store.

While Ontario is HRB’s first outside venture, the company is keeping any future expansion plans close to its chest. 

On July 13, Alberta became the second Canadian province to open its online gambling market to commercial operators. Alberta is also the only North American jurisdiction to expand its online gambling market in 2026. Hard Rock Bet hasn’t stated an intention to expand into the western province.

Gambling Insider contacted Hard Rock Digital for updates on day one in Ontario and a possible Alberta expansion. 

In an email, an HRD spokesperson said it’s too soon for insights, but it’s pleased with its Ontario launch.

We’re thrilled about the launch of Hard Rock Bet in Ontario. No shareable insights yet — it’s barely been 24 hours — but we’re proud of the operational execution to get our top-rated platform live for the first time outside the United States.”

Addressing Alberta, HRD said its focus is “entirely on delivering a great experience for players in Ontario.” As HRD’s first international market, Ontario is an “important milestone for the business,” the spokesperson added.

Looking ahead, HRD said it’s excited to roll out “expanded marketing campaigns and creative assets in early August.” These campaigns, it said, will build on its launch momentum and continue introducing Hard Rock Bet to Ontario consumers. 

Hard Rock Enters Ontario as ‘Elbows Up’ Attitude Largely Holds

President Donald Trump’s 51st state rhetoric and implementation of punishing tariffs have pushed many Canadians to shun the US border. The population’s organic anti-American (government) sentiment even got a boost from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “elbows up” political strategy.

Given that shift, it’s not surprising that, where possible, US operators are opting to come directly to the maple money source. 

According to Statistics Canada, Canadian travel to the US fell by roughly 25% in 2025. However, cellphone data analyzed by the University of Toronto’s School of Cities researchers indicates that Canada-US travel cratered by almost 42%.

More recent data show the trend had recently started to reverse, though some of that may have been more about the World Cup than improving relations. 

However, Trump’s recent return to the 51st state threat may once again sour the cross-border relationship. And given his plan to impose even higher tariffs as retaliation for wildfire smoke or “unfair treatment,” Canadians’ determination to boycott all things American will likely see another boost.