The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver has all the makings of a great day or night out and is conveniently located just off the highway in Coquitlam. With 1000 slot machines, 55 table games, 7 restaurants and 3 live music venues, the casino has something for everyone and they can't wait to welcome you.
A dramatic game of poker, a mouth-watering meal, a front row seat to your favourite band, a packed dance floor for endless partying. It may sound like a night out in Las Vegas but residents of the Lower Mainland need to look no further than their own backyard.
The Hard Rock Casino Vancouver has all the makings of a great day or night out and is conveniently located just off the highway in Coquitlam. With 1000 slot machines, 55 table games, 7 restaurants and 3 live music venues, the casino has something for everyone and they can't wait to welcome you.
Formerly the Boulevard Casino, the largest casino in the province of British Columbia recently underwent a significant renovation and rebranding process that brought the iconic Hard Rock brand to Canada's West Coast.
When the opportunity to oversee the rebrand presented itself, Raj Mutti joined the team in 2013 as Executive Director, bringing with him an impressive resume in the gaming industry – made all the more remarkable for someone who's only in his early 30's.
After graduating from the University of Arizona via Simon Fraser University, Mutti joined Hastings Racecourse as a marketing manager. He spent 15 years moving up from Director of Operations to General Manager and, finally, Regional General Manager for Hastings and Fraser Downs. His time with the organization resulted in recognition as one of the youngest and most successful General Managers of any major racetrack in North America.
A proud South Asian, Mutti acknowledges how his culture influences his daily life, both professionally and personally.
“There are two aspects of the South Asian community I admire: one being the closeness of family and family values and two being the strength of the community,” says Mutti.
Mutti attributes his hard work and determination to his upbringing, qualities that have certainly helped him direct the successful rebranding of the casino.
“To bring a globally recognized brand to life right here in our backyard was phenomenal,” Mutti recalls. “The future of Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is so bright and just building the team and business is a highlight of mine every single day.”
It might come as a surprise just how much the Hard Rock offers. “Our mantra is 'everything you go out for' and our team delivers that day in and day out,” says Mutti.
Recent upgrades to the 1400-seat theatre have brought increased numbers of visitors to the casino as well as higher profile acts across all genres of entertainment. Their new VIP room, Prive Tables, just opened and offers a luxurious gaming experience including a private entrance, dedicated host and premium food and beverages. Asylum Sound Stage is an intimate venue that is quickly becoming one of the hottest dancefloors in the city. If rocking out all night long isn't your thing, the casino also houses the Unlisted Lounge where down-tempo easy-listening music allow guests to chill out with a cocktail.
“Hard Rock Casino Vancouver is all about the music that gives guests experiences and memories that bring them back to a time in their life,” Mutti says, recalling several of his favourite events that brought thousands through the casino's doors. The first was Ringo Starr; a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many in attendance, Mutti included.
“The second show that comes to mind is Slash,” he says. “[It was] also a sold out show at 1400 people and the first show we did in a flat floor format. The concert was phenomenal. You could feel the energy and vibe roar just walking into The Theatre.”
With similar acts upcoming, Mutti is excited about the direction of the shows since becoming a Hard Rock. “The Hard Rock name itself brings global recognition and has a reputation for setting the bar in music and entertainment experiences,” Mutti says of the famous
brand. “Being a Hard Rock Casino really differentiates us from other casinos in Metro Vancouver. Only at Hard Rock can you find music running through our DNA, through all of our events and on our walls with the historic memorabilia from your favourite bands.”
In addition to the impressive line up of musicians rocking the casino stages, there are a variety of events suited to every kind of casino-goer.
“Sunee Dhaliwal does a comedy residency here. His shows sell out quick and we have a room of 200-300 people laughing and crying on a Sunday night,” Mutti says. He's also anxious to highlight a huge announcement in the works but can't reveal the details just yet. Instead, he encourages readers to stay tuned to the casino's website and newsletter so as not to miss out on the excitement. “Trust me, you won’t want to sleep on this!”
Beyond the hours of entertainment the casino offers, giving back to the community is equally important. “SHARE is our signature charity right here in Coquitlam and we do a lot of work with Eagle Ridge Hospital, as well. We actually support 200+ charities annually in cash and in kind,” Mutti says, referencing a recent donation to the Mamta Foundation of Canada.
From dinner to dancing and slots to music, there is always something going on. With space available for private parties or charities, the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver wants to help you rock out.
“Whether you want to come alone, come with your significant other or come with a group of friends, we have something for everyone,” Mutti says. “Come visit us and we will be sure to show you the time of your life.”
