Drake blocked from Vancouver's Parq Casino, claims it was 'profiling'

Musician Drake saidhe was blocked from gambling at luxury resort ParqVancouver's casino Friday night and is blaming "profiling" by the venue.

ParqVancouver said it stands against racism andit's operating undernew complicated gambling regulations.

In an Instagram post fromthe early hours of Saturday morning, Drake called Parq Vancouver the "worst run business I have ever witnessed ... profiling me and not allowing me to gamblewhen I had everything they originally asked me for."

Drake's representatives did not immediately return CBC's request for comment.

ParqVancouver is a resort withtwo luxury hotels and the only casino in Vancouver'sdowntown core. In a written statement, ParqVancouver president JoeBruniniapologized for Drake's experience.

"We are operating in one of the most complex, highly regulated industries and are always looking to better our communication and customer service," Brunini said.

Complicated regulations

As of December 2017, B.C. casinos must provide a "source of funds declaration" when receiving$10,000 or more in cash deposits or bearer bonds as part of an effort to combat money laundering.

The government saidsuch declarations must include the customer's identification, the source of their funds andinformation on theirfinancial institution.

"We are constantly improving our communications process to ensure that these new regulations are better understood by all guests,"Bruninisaid.

The profiling accusations have prompted a backlash on social media against the casino. Drake has more than 50 million followers on Instagram.

The I'm Upsetrapper, who originally hails from Toronto, is scheduled to play two shows at Vancouver's Rogers Arena this weekend.

With files by Maryse Zeidler