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Casinos in Cleveland

Ohio casinos have only been around since 2012 but have made a major impact in the state’s economy. On this page, we’ll take a look at the casinos in Cleveland and the surrounding area.

Dan Bradley By: Dan Bradley
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Ohio did not allow casino gambling in the state until 2009, with the first brick-and-mortar facilities arriving in the state three years later. Cleveland is home to the first Ohio casino (which opened in May 2012), and since then, three others have joined the scene.

In this piece, we’ll take a look at the legal status of casinos in Cleveland and the nearby area, which facilities are in operation, what games are available, and more!

Yes, land-based casinos are legal in Cleveland. However, online casino gaming in Ohio is still prohibited, though gambling enthusiasts hope the 2023 launch of online sports betting in the Buckeye State can help spur legislative momentum towards iGaming expansion.

Ohio voters approved the construction of four casinos around the state (in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo) in November 2009. Cleveland’s was the first to launch, opening on May 14, 2012; Toledo’s launched two weeks later on May 29, Columbus on June 1, and Cincinnati on March 4, 2013.

List of all casinos in or near Cleveland


There is only one casino located within the Cleveland city limits, and three others in the surrounding areas. Here are all four land-based casinos in or near Cleveland.

JACK Cleveland Casino

Ohio’s first casino, JACK Cleveland opened on May 14, 2012. Located in the city’s downtown core, JACK has 100,000 square feet of gaming space, with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms galore. You’ll also find betJACK Sportsbook, which is specifically designed for Ohio bettors.

When the casino opened, it went by “Horseshoe Casino” and was part of a joint venture between Rock Gaming and Caesars Entertainment. Rock Gaming bought Caesars’ ownership stake in February 2015 and rebranded with the “JACK” name a year later.

JACK Thistledown Racino

JACK Thistledown Racino is a thoroughbred race park and Rock Gaming casino just outside of Cleveland. The one-mile dirt oval track opened in 1931 and is home to the Ohio Derby, the only graded-stakes race in the state.

Like JACK Cleveland, Thistledown Racino was part of a joint venture between Rock Gaming and Caesars that saw the former take full ownership in 2015. Players can take in the massive sportsbook (betJACK), play at the outdoor gaming patio, choose from hundreds of slot machines, or bet on live or simulcast racing. All with the benefit of free, covered parking at the facility, the only gambling venue in Ohio that does so.

MGM Northfield Park

Similar to Hollywood’s backstory, MGM Northfield Park has a rich racing history. The park, known then as “Sportsman’s Park,” was constructed in 1934 as a midget car race course before transitioning to harness racing in the 1970s. It is now considered one of the premier harness race courses in the U.S.

Following legislative pressure to expand gambling options at the state’s racetracks, slot machines were installed at the park in 2009. A brief name change to “Hard Rock Rocksino” came in 2013 when Hard Rock International purchased the venue before finally settling on “MGM Northfield Park” after the most recent acquisition in 2018. You’ll be able to play on more than 2,000 virtual lottery terminals at the park, make sports wagers through BetMGM, and try to win big at the high-stakes room.

  • Address: 10777 Northfield Road Northfield, OH 44067
  • Phone number: 330-908-7625
  • Email: Not currently available

Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course

Near the Pennsylvania border, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course opened as a relocation of Beulah Park, which was Ohio’s first thoroughbred racetrack. The one-mile course opened in September 2014 and offers both live and simulcast betting.

Aside from the race track, you’ll also find keno, sports betting through ESPN Bet, a bar and restaurant, and live entertainment. The casino does not offer table games but features nearly 1,000 video lottery terminal games. Every dollar wagered can earn points as part of the PENN Play Rewards Program.

Are any other casinos opening in Cleveland soon?

No, there are no plans for any other casinos to open in Cleveland soon. Ohio has only permitted four standalone casino licenses and has limited to seven racino operations.

Presumably, the next step for casino expansion would be to introduce online casino gambling, as neighboring states (Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia) have done, though there doesn’t seem to be enough legislative momentum to accomplish this on the 2024 ballot.

What kinds of games can you play at Cleveland casinos?

There are many kinds of games you can play at Cleveland casinos, with a broad balance of low-stakes and high-roller options to sate your gambling appetite. Here are a few of the most common and popular options.

  • Slot machines: Slot machines make up the largest piece of the casino revenue pie, with some reports indicating that between 65-88% of revenue comes from these gaming terminals. Whether it's a more modern video slot machine, a classic three-reel game, or a progressive jackpot game, slot machines also have the widest range of themes and stake flexibility - some games will cost just pennies to play while others could result in wagers into the hundreds of dollars per spin.
  • Roulette: Roulette is a casino staple, with the popular game requiring players to wager on which slot on a spinning wheel the roulette ball will fall into. The slots are usually numbered from 0-36, though some games will employ a “00” slot. Payouts are determined based on the complexity, which can include picking from a pre-set range of numbers, odd or even, red or black, or a wager on the exact number.
  • Blackjack: Sometimes called “21,” blackjack players are tasked with trying to outscore the dealer's hand without surpassing a combined hand value of 21. Aces can be played as a 1 or 11 value while all face cards have a value of 10. Working together as a table is key, as players don’t need to score higher than one another but want to force the dealer to go past 21 so the table can win.

FAQ

Can you gamble at casinos in Cleveland if you’re 18?

No, you cannot gamble at casinos in Cleveland if you’re 18. You must be at least 21 years old to participate in casino gambling, though you can wager on horse races if you are 18+, and can play bingo at 16 years of age.

Which was the first casino to open in Cleveland?

The first casino to open in Cleveland was Horseshoe Cleveland, which opened on May 14, 2012. It has since rebranded to JACK Cleveland Casino following a change in ownership.

Are Cleveland casinos regulated?

Yes, Cleveland casinos are regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). They must operate within the fair play and consumer safety standards established by the OCCC to maintain licensure, so you can be confident the casino games are played with integrity.

What happened to the Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland?

The Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland is now JACK Cleveland Casino following a change in ownership. Rock Gaming purchased Caesars Entertainment’s 20% ownership stake in February 2015 and renamed the casino a year later.

Are there any hotels near the JACK Casino in Cleveland?

Yes, there are hotels near the JACK Casino in Cleveland. Guests at JACK Casino can stay at the nearby Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance Cleveland, Downtown Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt Regency, and several other hotels within walking distance.

Author Details

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley

Dan Bradley is an Ohio-based betting expert and researcher at OH Betting. He has spent 10 seasons as a hockey broadcaster for junior teams in Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio. When not writing, Dan is likely out fishing or playing bar trivia.