Casino Hosts at Rideau Carleton Casino

It's all in the details

Meet your Casino Host team! Whether its exclusive event invites, tickets to the Hard Rock Suite at your favourite sporting event, or dinner reservations, leave it to us. Our Host team is dedicated to making your visit to Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, as enjoyable as possible. Come join the fun at Ottawa’s One and Only!

David Lee

Player Development Manager

Speaks English & French

Hello, my name is David Lee. I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. I began my gaming career in 1999 as a part of Rideau Carleton’s opening team as a Cage & Credit Cashier. After having held progressive roles in both Slot Operations and Marketing, I found my true passion working in Player Development, by far the best career move I ever made. The most rewarding part of my job is the relationship building with Guests, many of whom I now consider lifelong friends. To be an advocate for our Guests and to create memorable experiences that truly ROCK has always been top of mind. And of course, being an Ottawa guy, I am all about the Senators, Redblacks, and Golden Palace Egg Rolls.

Email me

Email me
David Lee

Player Development Manager

Speaks English & French

Hello, my name is David Lee. I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. I began my gaming career in 1999 as a part of Rideau Carleton’s opening team as a Cage & Credit Cashier. After having held progressive roles in both Slot Operations and Marketing, I found my true passion working in Player Development, by far the best career move I ever made. The most rewarding part of my job is the relationship building with Guests, many of whom I now consider lifelong friends. To be an advocate for our Guests and to create memorable experiences that truly ROCK has always been top of mind. And of course, being an Ottawa guy, I am all about the Senators, Redblacks, and Golden Palace Egg Rolls.

Email me

Email me
David Lee

Player Development Manager

Speaks English & French

Hello, my name is David Lee. I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. I began my gaming career in 1999 as a part of Rideau Carleton’s opening team as a Cage & Credit Cashier. After having held progressive roles in both Slot Operations and Marketing, I found my true passion working in Player Development, by far the best career move I ever made. The most rewarding part of my job is the relationship building with Guests, many of whom I now consider lifelong friends. To be an advocate for our Guests and to create memorable experiences that truly ROCK has always been top of mind. And of course, being an Ottawa guy, I am all about the Senators, Redblacks, and Golden Palace Egg Rolls.

Email me

Email me
David Lee

Player Development Manager

Speaks English & French

Hello, my name is David Lee. I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. I began my gaming career in 1999 as a part of Rideau Carleton’s opening team as a Cage & Credit Cashier. After having held progressive roles in both Slot Operations and Marketing, I found my true passion working in Player Development, by far the best career move I ever made. The most rewarding part of my job is the relationship building with Guests, many of whom I now consider lifelong friends. To be an advocate for our Guests and to create memorable experiences that truly ROCK has always been top of mind. And of course, being an Ottawa guy, I am all about the Senators, Redblacks, and Golden Palace Egg Rolls.

Email me

Email me
David Lee

Gestionnaire du développement des joueurs

Parle français et anglais

Bonjour, je m’appelle David Lee. Je suis né et j’ai grandi à Ottawa, en Ontario. J’ai commencé ma carrière de joueur en 1999 comme membre de l’équipe d’ouverture de Rideau Carleton en tant que caissier de Cage & Credit. Après avoir occupé des rôles progressifs à la fois dans les opérations de fente et le marketing, j’ai trouvé ma vraie passion travailler dans le développement des joueurs, de loin le meilleur mouvement de carrière que j’ai jamais fait. La partie la plus gratifiante de mon travail est l’établissement de relations avec les invités, dont beaucoup sont maintenant considérés comme des amis à vie. Être un défenseur de nos invités et créer des expériences mémorables qui vraiment ROCK a toujours été une priorité. Et bien sûr, étant un gars d’Ottawa, je suis entièrement pour les Sénateurs, les Redblacks et les rouleaux d’œufs du Golden Palace.

envoyez-moi un courriel

envoyez-moi un courriel
David Lee

Player Development Manager

Speaks English & French

Hello, my name is David Lee. I was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. I began my gaming career in 1999 as a part of Rideau Carleton’s opening team as a Cage & Credit Cashier. After having held progressive roles in both Slot Operations and Marketing, I found my true passion working in Player Development, by far the best career move I ever made. The most rewarding part of my job is the relationship building with Guests, many of whom I now consider lifelong friends. To be an advocate for our Guests and to create memorable experiences that truly ROCK has always been top of mind. And of course, being an Ottawa guy, I am all about the Senators, Redblacks, and Golden Palace Egg Rolls.

Email me

Email me
George (Jody) Dwyer

Executive Casino Host

Speaks English

Hi, my name is Jody and I am originally from St. John’s Newfoundland. I started my casino career six years ago with Rideau Carleton Casino in Customer Relations and transitioned to Supervisor of Valet, Coat Check and Rock Shop, and for the past year, I have been the Player Development Specialist with the Player Development/Casino Host team. I enjoy meeting new people and trying to give our guests the best experience. When I am not working at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, at sporting events, and cooking.

Email Me

Email Me
George (Jody) Dwyer

Hôte de casino exécutif

Parle anglais

Bonjour, je m’appelle Jody et je suis originaire de St. John’s, à Terre-Neuve. J’ai commencé ma carrière de casino il y a six ans au Casino Rideau Carleton en relations avec la clientèle et je suis passé au superviseur de Valet, service de vestiaire et Rock Shop. Au cours de la dernière année, j’ai été spécialiste du développement des joueurs au sein de l’équipe du développement des joueurs/hôtes. J’aime rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et essayer de donner à nos invités la meilleure expérience. Lorsque je ne travaille pas au Rideau Carleton Casino, au Future Hard Rock, j’aime passer du temps avec ma famille et mes amis, à des événements sportifs et à cuisiner.

envoyez-moi un courriel

envoyez-moi un courriel
George (Jody) Dwyer

Executive Casino Host

Speaks English

Hi, my name is Jody and I am originally from St. John’s Newfoundland. I started my casino career six years ago with Rideau Carleton Casino in Customer Relations and transitioned to Supervisor of Valet, Coat Check and Rock Shop, and for the past year, I have been the Player Development Specialist with the Player Development/Casino Host team. I enjoy meeting new people and trying to give our guests the best experience. When I am not working at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, at sporting events, and cooking.

Email Me

Email Me
George (Jody) Dwyer

Executive Casino Host

Speaks English

Hi, my name is Jody and I am originally from St. John’s Newfoundland. I started my casino career six years ago with Rideau Carleton Casino in Customer Relations and transitioned to Supervisor of Valet, Coat Check and Rock Shop, and for the past year, I have been the Player Development Specialist with the Player Development/Casino Host team. I enjoy meeting new people and trying to give our guests the best experience. When I am not working at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, at sporting events, and cooking.

Email Me

Email Me
George (Jody) Dwyer

Executive Casino Host

Speaks English

Hi, my name is Jody and I am originally from St. John’s Newfoundland. I started my casino career six years ago with Rideau Carleton Casino in Customer Relations and transitioned to Supervisor of Valet, Coat Check and Rock Shop, and for the past year, I have been the Player Development Specialist with the Player Development/Casino Host team. I enjoy meeting new people and trying to give our guests the best experience. When I am not working at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, at sporting events, and cooking.

Email Me

Email Me
George (Jody) Dwyer

Executive Casino Host

Speaks English

Hi, my name is Jody and I am originally from St. John’s Newfoundland. I started my casino career six years ago with Rideau Carleton Casino in Customer Relations and transitioned to Supervisor of Valet, Coat Check and Rock Shop, and for the past year, I have been the Player Development Specialist with the Player Development/Casino Host team. I enjoy meeting new people and trying to give our guests the best experience. When I am not working at Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, at sporting events, and cooking.

Email Me

Email Me
Ian Dufton

Executive Casino Host

Hi, my name is Ian Dufton. My career with the Casino began in September 2022, coming on board as the Shift Manager of Customer Relations. Prior to arriving, the bulk of my career was in the Canadian Credit Card Industry as a Marketing and Vendor Relationship Specialist.

Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality has been a large part of my professional and personal life. I’ve been fortunate to be on a variety of Board of Directors, lead and volunteer for local organizations, resulting in recognition on September 24, 2018 by the Governor General of Canada receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

When I’m not working, I am with my daughters and my dog Fenway. I also enjoy being at the ball field and playing golf.

Email Me

Email Me
Ian Dufton

Executive Casino Host

Hi, my name is Ian Dufton. My career with the Casino began in September 2022, coming on board as the Shift Manager of Customer Relations. Prior to arriving, the bulk of my career was in the Canadian Credit Card Industry as a Marketing and Vendor Relationship Specialist.

Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality has been a large part of my professional and personal life. I’ve been fortunate to be on a variety of Board of Directors, lead and volunteer for local organizations, resulting in recognition on September 24, 2018 by the Governor General of Canada receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

When I’m not working, I am with my daughters and my dog Fenway. I also enjoy being at the ball field and playing golf.

Email Me

Email Me
Ian Dufton

Hôte de casino exécutif

Bonjour, je m'appelle Ian Dufton. J'ai commencé ma carrière au casino en septembre 2022, en tant que Directeur d’équipe de service à la clientèle. J’ai surtout travaillé dans le secteur canadien des cartes de crédit à titre de spécialiste du marketing et des relations avec les fournisseurs.

La diversité, l'inclusion et l'égalité ont été une grande partie de ma vie professionnelle et personnelle. J'ai eu la chance de siéger à divers conseils d'administration, de diriger des organisations locales et d'y faire du bénévolat, ce qui m'a valu d'être reconnue le 24 septembre 2018 par la gouverneure générale du Canada, qui m'a décerné la Médaille du souverain pour les bénévoles.

Lorsque je ne travaille pas, je suis avec mes filles et mon chien Fenway. J'aime aussi être sur le terrain de balle et jouer au golf.
When I’m not working, I am with my daughters and my dog Fenway. I also enjoy being at the ball field and playing golf.

envoyez-moi un courriel

envoyez-moi un courriel
Ian Dufton

Executive Casino Host

Hi, my name is Ian Dufton. My career with the Casino began in September 2022, coming on board as the Shift Manager of Customer Relations. Prior to arriving, the bulk of my career was in the Canadian Credit Card Industry as a Marketing and Vendor Relationship Specialist.

Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality has been a large part of my professional and personal life. I’ve been fortunate to be on a variety of Board of Directors, lead and volunteer for local organizations, resulting in recognition on September 24, 2018 by the Governor General of Canada receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

When I’m not working, I am with my daughters and my dog Fenway. I also enjoy being at the ball field and playing golf.

Email Me

Email Me
Ian Dufton

Executive Casino Host

Hi, my name is Ian Dufton. My career with the Casino began in September 2022, coming on board as the Shift Manager of Customer Relations. Prior to arriving, the bulk of my career was in the Canadian Credit Card Industry as a Marketing and Vendor Relationship Specialist.

Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality has been a large part of my professional and personal life. I’ve been fortunate to be on a variety of Board of Directors, lead and volunteer for local organizations, resulting in recognition on September 24, 2018 by the Governor General of Canada receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

When I’m not working, I am with my daughters and my dog Fenway. I also enjoy being at the ball field and playing golf.

Email Me

Email Me
Ian Dufton

Executive Casino Host

Hi, my name is Ian Dufton. My career with the Casino began in September 2022, coming on board as the Shift Manager of Customer Relations. Prior to arriving, the bulk of my career was in the Canadian Credit Card Industry as a Marketing and Vendor Relationship Specialist.

Diversity, Inclusivity and Equality has been a large part of my professional and personal life. I’ve been fortunate to be on a variety of Board of Directors, lead and volunteer for local organizations, resulting in recognition on September 24, 2018 by the Governor General of Canada receiving a Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers.

When I’m not working, I am with my daughters and my dog Fenway. I also enjoy being at the ball field and playing golf.

Email Me

Email Me
Jesule Balmir

Casino Host

Speaks French, English, and Creole

Hello, my name is Jesule Balmir, but you can call me Jay. I have been working in the casino industry since 1997 and began my casino career as a Maintenance supervisor in Quebec. I joined Ontario Lottery Gaming in February 1999. I was part of the opening team at Rideau Carleton and transitioned to Hard Rock Ottawa in 2017.

I started my career with OLG as a slot attendant, was promoted to a dual rate slot supervisor with Hard Rock Ottawa in 2022. I am thrilled to now be a part of the Player Development team.

Some of my hobbies include weight lifting, playing soccer, and I love to watch nature documentaries. My mission is to provide the best customer service possible, going above and beyond to meet my guest's expectations.

Email Me

Email Me
Jesule Balmir

Hôte de casino

Parle le français, l’anglais et créole

Bonjour, je m’appelle Jesule Balmir, vous pouvez m’appeler Jay. Je travaille dans l’industrie des casinos depuis 1997 et j’ai commencé ma carrière dans les casinos en tant que superviseur de l’entretien menager au Québec.

S’est joint à Ontario Lottery Gaming en février 1999. J’ai fait partie de l’équipe d’ouverture de Rideau Carleton et je suis rejoindre Hard Rock en 2017.

J’ai commencé ma carrière avec OLG en tant que préposé aux machines à sous, et devenait superviseur du departement des machines à sous avec Hard Rock en 2022. Maintenant je suis ravi de faire partie de l’équipe de développement des joueurs.

Certains de mes passe-temps sont l’haltérophilie, jouer au football et regarder des documentaires sur la nature. Ma mission est de fournir le meilleur service à la clientèle possible, d’aller au-delà pour répondre aux attentes de mes clients.

envoyez-moi un courriel

envoyez-moi un courriel
Jesule Balmir

Casino Host

Speaks French, English, and Creole

Hello, my name is Jesule Balmir, but you can call me Jay. I have been working in the casino industry since 1997 and began my casino career as a Maintenance supervisor in Quebec. I joined Ontario Lottery Gaming in February 1999. I was part of the opening team at Rideau Carleton and transitioned to Hard Rock Ottawa in 2017.

I started my career with OLG as a slot attendant, was promoted to a dual rate slot supervisor with Hard Rock Ottawa in 2022. I am thrilled to now be a part of the Player Development team.

Some of my hobbies include weight lifting, playing soccer, and I love to watch nature documentaries. My mission is to provide the best customer service possible, going above and beyond to meet my guest's expectations.

Email Me

Email Me
Jesule Balmir

Casino Host

Speaks French, English, and Creole

Hello, my name is Jesule Balmir, but you can call me Jay. I have been working in the casino industry since 1997 and began my casino career as a Maintenance supervisor in Quebec. I joined Ontario Lottery Gaming in February 1999. I was part of the opening team at Rideau Carleton and transitioned to Hard Rock Ottawa in 2017.

I started my career with OLG as a slot attendant, was promoted to a dual rate slot supervisor with Hard Rock Ottawa in 2022. I am thrilled to now be a part of the Player Development team.

Some of my hobbies include weight lifting, playing soccer, and I love to watch nature documentaries. My mission is to provide the best customer service possible, going above and beyond to meet my guest's expectations.

Email Me

Email Me
Jesule Balmir

Casino Host

Speaks French, English, and Creole

Hello, my name is Jesule Balmir, but you can call me Jay. I have been working in the casino industry since 1997 and began my casino career as a Maintenance supervisor in Quebec. I joined Ontario Lottery Gaming in February 1999. I was part of the opening team at Rideau Carleton and transitioned to Hard Rock Ottawa in 2017.

I started my career with OLG as a slot attendant, was promoted to a dual rate slot supervisor with Hard Rock Ottawa in 2022. I am thrilled to now be a part of the Player Development team.

Some of my hobbies include weight lifting, playing soccer, and I love to watch nature documentaries. My mission is to provide the best customer service possible, going above and beyond to meet my guest's expectations.

Email Me

Email Me
Jesule Balmir

Casino Host

Speaks French, English, and Creole

Hello, my name is Jesule Balmir, but you can call me Jay. I have been working in the casino industry since 1997 and began my casino career as a Maintenance supervisor in Quebec. I joined Ontario Lottery Gaming in February 1999. I was part of the opening team at Rideau Carleton and transitioned to Hard Rock Ottawa in 2017.

I started my career with OLG as a slot attendant, was promoted to a dual rate slot supervisor with Hard Rock Ottawa in 2022. I am thrilled to now be a part of the Player Development team.

Some of my hobbies include weight lifting, playing soccer, and I love to watch nature documentaries. My mission is to provide the best customer service possible, going above and beyond to meet my guest's expectations.

Email Me

Email Me
Michael Ionescu

Casino Host

Hi! My name is Michael Ionescu, and I was born and raised here in Ottawa, Ontario, but my family is originally from Romania. I recently graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce and joined the team here in 2024. Although I am new to the gaming industry, I have years of experience in hospitality, entertainment, and many other guest-facing roles. In my free time, I enjoy exploring what this city has to offer, cheering on my favourite sports teams, and spending time with friends and family. I love meeting new people and I look forward to creating unforgettable memories with all of you here at the Hard Rock!

Email Me

Email Me
Michael Ionescu

Casino Host

Hi! My name is Michael Ionescu, and I was born and raised here in Ottawa, Ontario, but my family is originally from Romania. I recently graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce and joined the team here in 2024. Although I am new to the gaming industry, I have years of experience in hospitality, entertainment, and many other guest-facing roles. In my free time, I enjoy exploring what this city has to offer, cheering on my favourite sports teams, and spending time with friends and family. I love meeting new people and I look forward to creating unforgettable memories with all of you here at the Hard Rock!

Email Me

Email Me
Michael Ionescu

Casino Host

Hi! My name is Michael Ionescu, and I was born and raised here in Ottawa, Ontario, but my family is originally from Romania. I recently graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce and joined the team here in 2024. Although I am new to the gaming industry, I have years of experience in hospitality, entertainment, and many other guest-facing roles. In my free time, I enjoy exploring what this city has to offer, cheering on my favourite sports teams, and spending time with friends and family. I love meeting new people and I look forward to creating unforgettable memories with all of you here at the Hard Rock!

Email Me

Email Me
Michael Ionescu

Hôte de casino

Je m'appelle Michael Ionescu, je suis né et j'ai grandi à Ottawa, en Ontario, mais ma famille est originaire de Roumanie. J'ai récemment obtenu un baccalauréat de commerce à l'université Carleton et j'ai rejoint l'équipe en 2024. Bien que je sois nouvelle dans l'industrie du jeu, j'ai des années d'expérience dans l'hôtellerie, le divertissement et de nombreuses autres fonctions en contact avec les clients. Pendant mon temps libre, j'aime découvrir ce que cette ville a à offrir, encourager mes équipes sportives préférées et passer du temps avec mes amis et ma famille. J'adore rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et j'ai hâte de créer des souvenirs inoubliables avec vous tous, ici, au Hard Rock !

envoyez-moi un courriel

envoyez-moi un courriel
Michael Ionescu

Casino Host

Hi! My name is Michael Ionescu, and I was born and raised here in Ottawa, Ontario, but my family is originally from Romania. I recently graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce and joined the team here in 2024. Although I am new to the gaming industry, I have years of experience in hospitality, entertainment, and many other guest-facing roles. In my free time, I enjoy exploring what this city has to offer, cheering on my favourite sports teams, and spending time with friends and family. I love meeting new people and I look forward to creating unforgettable memories with all of you here at the Hard Rock!

Email Me

Email Me
Michael Ionescu

Casino Host

Hi! My name is Michael Ionescu, and I was born and raised here in Ottawa, Ontario, but my family is originally from Romania. I recently graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce and joined the team here in 2024. Although I am new to the gaming industry, I have years of experience in hospitality, entertainment, and many other guest-facing roles. In my free time, I enjoy exploring what this city has to offer, cheering on my favourite sports teams, and spending time with friends and family. I love meeting new people and I look forward to creating unforgettable memories with all of you here at the Hard Rock!

Email Me

Email Me

DINING RESERVATIONS

ROCK SPA® & SALON

DAER NIGHTCLUB/DAYCLUB

Casino Hosts at Rideau Carleton Casino