Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Casino Expert
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor

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|When it comes to casinos in Ohio, there are two distinct types of service: four commercial land-based casinos regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) and seven racinos. These racetrack venues are regulated by the Ohio Lottery Commission because they offer Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) to visitors.
All services were voter-approved, with no tribal gaming in the casino framework, making it one of the few large states with no tribal casinos. On that note, the Hark Rock Cincinnati establishment is corporately owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida but functions as a state-licensed commercial casino.
What makes Ohio’s land-based gambling scene interesting is its balance between accessibility and regulation.
You won’t find casinos on every street corner, but there are enough strategically placed venues to keep both casual players and seasoned gamblers entertained.
Visit the four largest cities in Ohio, and you will find a land-based casino with its doors open. These properties only entered the market in 2012, making this a relatively new venture for the state. These are the four commercial casinos in Ohio you can visit.
Ohio racinos are located at established horse racing tracks, and there are 7 of them. If horse racing is your thing, then head on out to one of these locations, which are the busiest in the Midwest. It’s so popular that the combined revenue exceeds what the four commercial casinos rake in. What makes them racinos besides the horses? Well, the properties also present VLTs for you to play on. Racinos are not allowed any other form of gambling or game. Sportsbooks are also authorized and found within all seven sites.
All racino sites are regulated by the Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC), while VLTs are regulated by the OLC.
Ohio casino poker rooms only appear in all four of our commercial casinos. Like in many US states, the poker out here sees players playing against each other and not against the house. The casino is able to make its money by charging fees to take part. Some of the poker games you can play include No Limit Hold ‘Em and Pot Limit Omaha.
Ohio racetracks are hugely popular and present visitors with both harness and thoroughbred racing across multiple tracks. When it comes to VLT terminals, Ohio racinos give punters an extra source of entertainment.
Horse racing in Ohio isn’t just limited to the state, as simulcast betting allows you to bet on races taking place throughout the US. Visitors must be 18 or older to participate in parimutuel wagering. One of the biggest events out here is our harness race, the Little Brown Jug, which takes place at Delaware County Fairgrounds in Delaware, Ohio, not at a racino.
Active live racing tracks, race schedules, and season dates:
| Racino | Location | Racing Type | Season Dates | Days & Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northfield Park | Near Columbus | Harness | All Year | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Sat at 6:00pm |
| Scioto Downs | Columbus | Harness | May 7 - Oct 24 | Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat at 5:45pm |
| Miami Valley | Lebanon | Harness | Jan 4 - May 2 | Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed at 4:00pm |
| Dayton Raceway | Dayton | Harness | Sep - Dec | Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, Sat at 4:00pm |
| Belterra Park | Cincinnati | Thoroughbred | April - Oct | Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri at 1:30pm |
| Mahoning Valley Race Course | Near Youngstown | Thoroughbred | Jan - April | Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat at 12:45pm |
| JACK Thistledown Racino | North Randall | Thoroughbred | April - Oct | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs at 12:50pm |
*Cedar Downs is an off-track betting facility that provides simulcast betting only, so no live racing.
Are there charitable gambling events in Ohio to visit? Sure, when you head out this way, you’ll like come across a variety of well-established charitable events that are all active in supporting the local communities. This non-profit gaming culture centers on bingo and instant bingo. Such events are organized to produce funding for local causes. Events are licensed and regulated by the Ohio Attorney General's Charitable Law Section, the Ohio Revised Code (Chapter 2915), and the Ohio Constitution.
Before you take part in any gambling activity, be sure to stick to your spending limits. Never go over your budget, take breaks, and treat these services only as adult fun, not a viable source of income. When the fun stops, think about stopping yourself.
We and the state of Ohio support responsible gambling, and you can find more information and help by calling the National Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-800-GAMBLER. You can also use direct state support on the Ohio helpline 1-800-589-9966. For self-exclusion programs, please visit the Casinocontrol.ohio.gov website. The Statewide Voluntary Exclusion Program was launched in 2019 and puts more power in the hands of players, ensuring that the enjoyment of our casinos and race tracks never gets out of hand.
Our guide to Ohio casinos is for informational purposes only and should not be misconstrued as a guide to financial gain or provide users with gambling or other advice. Gambling is relatively new in Ohio, so legislation and regulations can change. As recently as 2025, bills on online access were considered in the context of eBingo and other online games. This matter is still not concluded within the 136th General Assembly.
There are four commercial casinos within the state of Ohio, with one in each of our four largest cities. These sites are JACK Cleveland Casino. Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, Hollywood Casino Columbus, and Hollywood Casino Toledo. All casinos provide retail sportsbooks, poker, slots, and traditional table games. There are also 7 racinos, so the overall count comes up to 11.
No. None of the casinos within our state of Ohio is operated by local tribes. With that said, the Hard Rock Cincinnati is corporately owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida; however, the casino functions as a state-licensed commercial casino.
A casino can provide guests and visitors with an array of traditional casino games, like blackjack, craps, roulette, and slots. They can also present sportsbooks, with extra services like accommodation, restaurants, and live entertainment. A racino is limited to live horse racing, VLTs, and perhaps some accommodation and dining.
Yes. All four of our commercial casinos in Ohio come with poker rooms. Within them, you can play games like Pot Limit Omaha and No Limit Hold ‘Em. Plus, you can also access poker tournaments. Before you arrive, be sure to check dates and times have not changed, and what the buy-in costs are to take part.
When you come to the state of Ohio to enjoy our selection of casinos, you must be older than 21 to take part and enter our establishments. However, to experience the lottery, bingo, or to bet on the horses, you must be 18 or older.
Yes. You can visit seven racecourses here in Ohio and enjoy the experience of live horse racing, with the option of harness racing and thoroughbred racing. Major racing events include the Ohio Derby and the Little Brown Jug race. The types of wagering are Simulcast and Pari-mutuel.
Yes. Why not expand your experience at both establishments, casino and racino, by enjoying the retail sportsbooks made available? Several popular brands of sports betting facilities are available, with the likes of betJACK, BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars Sportsbook.
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
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