Ohio Casinos – Best OH Gambling Destinations
The state of Ohio has four casinos and seven racinos, as well as a state lottery, offering residents and visitors a vast variety of gambling options. In this blog, we’re going to explore all 11 Ohio casinos and racinos, so you can find the best gaming venues to play at.
Gambling in Ohio
Ohio has a long and complicated gambling history. In the 19th century, the state prohibited all forms of gambling, including lottery, joining the anti-gambling movement. However, in the 1930s, when the Great Depression hit, Ohio legislators approved horse betting as a means to raise revenue and to create jobs.
Later, in the 1970s, Ohio approved a state lottery. Later, in 2009, commercial gambling was finally legalized, with the first casinos opening in 2012. Today, Ohio has four full-service casinos, seven racinos (which offer slot machines and horse racing), and a state lottery. The casinos in Ohio offer a range of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker.
In addition to that, the Buckeye State launched its legal sports betting market on January 1, 2023, and now hosts some of the top sports betting operators in the USA. Even though gambling is legal in Ohio, the state has strict regulations and laws to ensure that the industry is safe and fair for everyone involved.
All in all, the gambling industry in Ohio is a significant source of revenue for the state, generating over $3 billion annually, and providing more than 20,000 jobs. Stay with us to learn in detail about the casino landscape in the state, as we’re going to review every single casino in Ohio next in this article.
Casinos in Ohio – All 11 Gambling Locations
In 2012, Ohio opened its first casino in Cleveland, followed by casinos in Columbus and Toledo. A fourth casino, located in Cincinnati, was opened in 2013. The venues offer a range of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Apart from casinos, Ohio also has a strong tradition of horse racing, with several racetracks located throughout the state.
As already said, the gambling industry in Ohio is a significant contributor to the state’s economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue and providing employment opportunities for thousands of people. Ohio’s residents and those visiting the state have definitely plenty of entertainment possibilities, considering the many great gaming venues throughout the state.
| 📛 Venue | 🗺️ City & Opening Date |
|---|---|
| MGM Northfield Park | 📍 Northfield 📅 December 18, 2013 |
| Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs | 📍 Columbus 📅 June 1, 2012 |
| Belterra Park Cincinnati | 📍 Anderson Township 📅 May 1, 2014 |
| Hollywood Casino Toledo | 📍 Toledo 📅 May 29, 2012 |
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | 📍 Dayton 📅 August 28, 2014 |
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course | 📍 Austintown 📅 Austintown |
| Miami Valley Gaming | 📍 Turtlecreek Township 📅 December 12, 2013 |
| Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | 📍 Cincinnati 📅 March 4, 2013 |
| Jack Cleveland Casino | 📍 Cleveland 📅 May 14, 2012 |
| Jack Thistledown Racino | 📍 North Randall 📅 April 9, 2013 |
| Hollywood Casino Columbus | 📍 Columbus 📅 October 8, 2012 |
MGM Northfield Park
MGM Northfield Park is one of the few casinos near Cleveland, Ohio, located in Northfield, just outside of the city. It is one of the seven racinos in Ohio and one of the top gambling destinations in Ohio. The venue is owned by MGM Resorts International and offers more than 2000 slot machines, video poker and electronic table games. Apart from that, the racino boasts a state-of-the-art racetrack, which hosts live horse racing events throughout the year.
The facility at MGM Northfield Park is modern and sleek, with over 200,000 square feet of gaming space. Moreover, MGM Northfield Park casino in Ohio hosts various events such as concerts and comedy shows. At MGM Northfield Park casino near Cleveland, visitors can enjoy several dining options, including the award-winning Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill.
There are also more casual choices like the Neon Room, the world-famous Hard Rock Cafe, or the TAP Sports Bar. Keep in mind that the racino does not have an on-site hotel but offers a shuttle service to and from several local hotels, so that’s another great advantage.
Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs is a racino in Ohio, located in Columbus city. It offers a combination of live harness horse racing, casino gaming, as well as live outdoor music events. The racino, whose gaming facility is over 117,000 square feet, has over 2200 slot machines, as well as electronic table games like blackjack and roulette.
In terms of dining options, there are several restaurants and bars, including Grove Buffet, the Brew Brothers Tap House, and Dash Café, as well as a food court with several fast-food options. Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs does not have a hotel as part of its facilities, but there are nearby options for those looking to stay overnight. Last but not least, its visitors can take advantage of the shuttle service, going to different hotels in the area.
Belterra Park Cincinnati
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment is one of the best gaming venues amongst the casinos in Cincinnati. It is another racino, with over 1300 slot machines, 32 table games, and an entirely separate poker room. One of the main attractions of Belterra Park is the horse racing events that take place from May through September.
The racetrack features both thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing, with daily simulcasting available throughout the year. The Belterra Park facility is modern and well-designed, with a spacious gaming floor. When it comes to food, there are various possibilities, including the Market Buffet, the Stadium Sports Bar & Grill, and the River Downs Club.
Be aware that Belterra Park is not one of the Ohio casinos with hotels. Additionally, the venue does not offer a shuttle service. However, it is one of the casinos in Cincinnati with a great location, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists. Ultimately, its modern facilities and dining options provide an experience worth trying.
Hollywood Casino Toledo
Next on our list of Ohio casinos is Hollywood Casino Toledo. It is one of the four full-service casinos in the state and the only one of the casinos in Toledo, Ohio. Its visitors can enjoy over 2000 slot machines, 60 table games, and a 20-table poker room. The gaming floor covers over 125,000 square feet and includes both smoking and non-smoking areas.
Furthermore, the casino has a separate high-rollers room for both slots and table games. There is also a dedicated sportsbook area, where you can place bets on sports events, as well as a large screen to watch the games. In terms of dining options, the venue offers several restaurants to choose from, including Final Cut Steak & Seafood, Scene Sports Bar, and Take 2 Grill.
There isn’t a hotel on site, but like most casinos in Ohio, a complimentary shuttle service to and from select hotels in the area is available. Some nights the Hollywood Casino Toledo offers live entertainment, with different musicians and comedians performing.
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway is a popular casino and racetrack located in Dayton, Ohio. It offers a variety of gaming options, such as slot machines, table games, a poker room, and live harness racing. On the gaming floor, covering over 190,000 square feet, you’ll find more than 1000 slot machines, ranging from classic favorites to the latest video slots.
Table game enthusiasts will find a range of options, including blackjack, craps, roulette, and more. For those who enjoy poker, the casino’s poker room offers a variety of games and tournaments during the week.
Apart from that, the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway property offers nice restaurants and bars to choose from, like the Skybox Sports Bar, the Take 2 Grill, and the Scene. While there is no hotel, there are several accommodation options within a short drive of the casino.
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course
The next venue on our listing of Ohio casinos is the well-known Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, located in Austintown. This casino and racetrack facility features more than 850 slot machines, table games, a poker room, as well as live horse racing on the track year-round.
Without a doubt, the racetrack at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course is a major draw for visitors. Live horse racing takes place throughout the year, with numerous races and events to enjoy. The track also features a state-of-the-art simulcast area, allowing visitors to watch and wager on races from other tracks around the country.
Besides the many exciting entertainment possibilities, there are a few restaurants on the property, where its guests can enjoy a good meal. Be aware that the Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course is not one of those Ohio casinos with hotels, so if your plans are to spend the night away from home, be prepared and have some alternatives in mind.
Miami Valley Gaming
The following gaming establishment on our list of Ohio casinos is located in Turtlecreek Township. The Miami Valley Gaming casino floor is over 160,000 square feet and features more than 1600 slot machines, table games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and more. The poker room regularly hosts various games and tournaments.
The Miami Valley Gaming racetrack hosts multiple live races and also features a simulcast area, allowing gamers to watch and wager on races from other tracks around the USA. In addition to gaming, Miami Valley Gaming provides fine dining options, such as the Trifecta Eatery, the Cin City Sea & Steak, a more casual buffet restaurant, and a sports bar.
While there is no hotel on-site, there are several accommodation options located nearby. Miami Valley Gaming is conveniently located off I-75, making it easily accessible for visitors coming from other parts of Ohio or neighboring states.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
The Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is another one of the full-service casinos near Cincinnati, Ohio. At this terrific gaming venue, you can play over 1800 slot machines, but also plenty of table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. For the high-rollers, there are high-limit areas, and for the poker enthusiasts, a separate poker room with 33 tables.
The casino is spread over two floors, with a total gaming area of approximately 100,000 square feet. The facility also features a state-of-the-art sportsbook area. Additionally, the gaming venue often hosts various live events and concerts.
The dining options at the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati include several restaurants and bars, amongst which the Hard Rock Cafe, the Buffet, and the Seven Chefs Buffet. Unfortunately, there isn’t a hotel on the property, but the casino does offer a complimentary shuttle to and from some of the nearby hotels.
Jack Cleveland Casino
Jack Cleveland Casino is one of the casinos in Cleveland with a great location, but not only. Located in the heart of the city, the casino spread over 96,000 square feet, boasts more than 1000 slot machines – from penny slots to $100 high-limit action titles, 89 table games, and a large poker room.
Besides that, the 6,000 sq ft of betJACK’s sportsbook features a huge video wall, luxury seating, self-betting kiosks on each of the gaming floors, betting counters, fusion table games and a sports betting pit. Unfortunately, there is no hotel on-site, but the Ritz-Carlton Cleveland is located next to the Jack Cleveland Casino and offers luxurious accommodation options for visitors.
As for the dining options, the $350 million gaming destination offers plenty of choices. The Seven Cheffs Buffet features a variety of menu options, including international cuisine and seafood. The American Burger Bar, Stack’d and Wahlburgers are also great options for the lovers of pizza, burgers, sandwiches, hotdogs and more.
Jack Thistledown Racino
Founded in 1925, the Jack Thistledown Racino is located in the Cleveland suburb of North Randall, Ohio, and offers video lottery terminals, live thoroughbred and simulcast racing, as well as a variety of live entertainment.
The original Thistledown Racetrack built a casino at a cost of $88 million, that opened in April 2013. In 2016, the name was changed to Jack Thistledown Racino. The gaming venue spreads over 57,000 square feet of gaming space and features 1,459 gaming machines and electronic table games. That makes it a popular destination for casino enthusiasts, while the live thoroughbred racing adds a unique element to the experience.
The JACK Thistledown food and beverage offerings include the signature restaurants Millcreek Grille, Nonna Pazza pasta bar, Cleo’s sports bar, two food outlets, a lounge and two bars. Moreover, JACK Thistledown hosts the historic Ohio Derby and is a mainstay on America’s thoroughbred horseracing circuit.
Hollywood Casino Columbus
Next on our list is the Hollywood Casino Columbus – a must-visit destination in the area. The venue is not only one of the best casinos in Columbus, Ohio but also is the biggest gaming facility in the state. The Hollywood Casino Columbus is quite spacious, with over 160,000 square feet of gaming space, featuring 2200 slot machines, 70 table games, and the largest poker room in the state.
Furthermore, there’s a dedicated sportsbook facility, where you can place bets on various sports events, a couple of bars and lounges, as well as a stage area for live entertainment. Unfortunately, the Hollywood Casino Columbus does not have an on-site hotel, but there are several nearby options, if you’re looking to stay overnight.
The Hollywood Casino Columbus, being one of the best casinos in Columbus, Ohio, has great restaurants, including Final Cut Steak & Seafood, which offers premium cuts of beef and fresh seafood. The Zen Noodle, which serves Asian cuisine, and the Sports Bar & Grill, which has a wide selection of pub-style food and drinks, are also great choices.
Lastly, if you’re interested to know more about the largest casino in the state of Ohio, US, feel free to check out our blog specifically dedicated to the Hollywood Casino Columbus.
Legal Gambling Age in Ohio, US
According to the Ohio gambling laws, the legal gambling age in the state varies depending on the type of gaming. For instance, in order to participate in Keno, lottery, bingo or horse racing, you must be at least 18. The Ohio Lottery is one of the most popular forms of gambling in the state, offering a variety of games including scratch-off tickets, instant games, and multi-state games such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
In addition to that, charitable gambling, like bingo and raffles, is also allowed in Ohio. For the other forms of gambling, such as casinos, poker rooms and sports betting, the minimum age is 21. The Ohio Gambling Commission oversees all forms of gambling in the state, including casinos, horse racing, lottery, and charitable gambling. Online gambling is currently not legal, but changes are expected soon. Until then, you can check some of the best USA online casinos and see what the US online gambling industry has in store.
Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Ohio, US
Ohio is a state with a rich history so there are plenty of attractions and places worth seeing. Whether you are a sports fan, a nature lover, or perhaps a history buff, Ohio has something for all. Down below we have gathered some of the top venues and places of interest to visit in Ohio, US:
- 🤘 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is a must-visit location, especially for music fans. The museum displays the history of rock and roll by employing interactive displays, as well as belongings and objects from some of the most iconic musicians of all time.
- 🎢 Cedar Point – Given the name the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” Cedar Point is an amusement park located in Sandusky that boasts some of the world’s most thrilling rides. The park also has a beach, a water park, and several other attractions, so fun is guaranteed.
- 🏞️ Hocking Hills State Park – The Hocking Hills State Park is a beautiful venue and a natural wonderland. You’ll see stunning rock formations, plenty of hiking trails, and waterfalls. This park would be perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- ✈️ National Museum of the United States Air Force – Located in Dayton, this museum is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. It houses over 350 aircraft and missiles, as well as all kinds of exhibits on the history of aviation and space exploration.
- 🦈 Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Home to over 10,000 animals, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a popular attraction for families. The zoo also features a water park, a golf course, and several other attractions to enjoy.
- 🐎 Amish Country – It’s important to mention that Ohio is home to the world’s largest Amish community. Visitors have the chance to experience their unique way of life by visiting the Amish Country, an area filled with farms, markets, and shops selling handmade goods.
- 🏛️ Cincinnati Museum Center – Housed in a historic train station, the Cincinnati Museum Center features several museums and exhibits, including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Natural History and Science.
Of course, these are just a few of the many attractions and places worth seeing in Ohio. After all, the Buckeye State is a great destination for people of all ages and interests, thanks to its history and beautiful scenery. Finally, if you enjoyed reading our blog and would like to explore a little more, check out our Illinois casinos article, featuring the best gambling venues to visit in ‘The Prairie State’.
FAQ
Since we have reached the end of this article, reviewing the Ohio casinos and racinos, we hope it has inspired you to experience and visit at least some of these venues. We believe you’re absolutely going to love the area and all that it has to offer, as much as we did. Still, in this last section we have gathered the most commonly asked questions on the subject, so make sure you check it out.
