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Casinos in Columbus

On this page, you will learn everything you need to know about casinos in Columbus, including a list of all casinos near Columbus, any new casinos opening near the city, and what kind of games you can play at them.

Johnny Covers By: Johnny Covers
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Casinos in the state of Ohio were illegal prior to 2009, as residents who wished to gamble had to head out of state to nearby jurisdictions in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Michigan in order to gamble. Everything changed in November of that year, when legislation was passed for Ohio to begin opening up casinos and operators flocked to the Buckeye State to begin laying the groundwork for casinos in Ohio.

It would take until 2012, when the Casino Control Law took effect, for brick-and-mortar casinos in Ohio to open their doors. By 2024, 11 casinos across the state have opened, including some in the Columbus metropolitan area. Today, we are going to take a look at the casinos in Columbus and give you everything you need to know when gambling in and around the state capitol.

List of all casinos near Columbus


With nearly a dozen casinos spread throughout the state of Ohio, there are two locations in the Columbus area that local residents (and visitors) flock to every day. Below is the comprehensive list of all casinos near Columbus, and what to expect when visiting them for the first time.

Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs

Originally opened under the name Scioto Downs Racino, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs is one of Ohio’s seven racinos, featuring an active horse racing track in addition to Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).

With more than 2,200 VLTs in total, the property contains more than 115,000 square feet of total gaming space for patrons to enjoy. The horse racing track was originally opened in 1959, and now features a simulcast room to broadcast races year-round from throughout the country.

Prior to the legalization of casinos in 2012, MTR Gaming Group had purchased the Scioto Downs for $19 million in 2003, changing its name to Caesars Entertainment in 2020 before turning into what it is today.

In addition to the gambling activities on the property, there is also a live outdoor music venue that features acts throughout the summer months. For customers looking to just enjoy the atmosphere, there is also Dash Cafe which provides food and beverages for the location.

Hollywood Casino Columbus

Owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties, which owns gambling facilities throughout the state, the gaming license operator at Hollywood Casino Columbus is currently Penn Entertainment. 

Unlike Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, Hollywood Casino Columbus is a land-based full-scale casino, with more than 160,000 square feet of casino games including slots and table game games.

Opening its doors in October 2012, Hollywood Casino Columbus is home to more than 2,200 slot machines, 70 table games, and one of the biggest poker rooms in all of Ohio. There are also more than half a dozen restaurants and cafes throughout the property for patrons to enjoy, including Wahlburgers, Zen Noodle, The Lounge at Final Cut, and Mikey’s Late Night Slice.

For sports bettors in the Buckeye State, there is also now a sportsbook featuring more than 12,000 square feet of betting windows, kiosks, and massive TVs for game viewing pleasure.

Hollywood Casino Columbus is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

  • Address: 200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
  • Phone: (614) 308-3333
  • Email: [email protected]

Are any new casinos opening in Columbus soon?

No, as of 2024, there are no publicly available plans for any new casinos opening in Columbus anytime soon. Given that there are now more than 10 casinos throughout the state, all successful in their own right, however, we would not be surprised to see another casino in the area in the future. 

What can you play at Columbus casinos?

There are many types of casino games patrons can play when visiting either one of the casinos in Columbus, all of which appeal to different types of gamblers. Let’s take a look at a few of the games that you can play at Columbus Casinos today.

  • Table Games: Classic table games such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, five-card poker, Pai Gow Poker, and many more are available at Columbus casinos, all of which have varying minimums. For the lowest minimums, it’s best to visit during the week at non-peak hours. Note that only Hollywood Casino Columbus will have table games, as Eldorado is strictly a racino with horse racing and VLTs.
  • Slot Machines: Arguably the most popular reason people visit Columbus casinos, all of the country’s most popular slot machine operators will have machines available.
  • Poker: Specifically at Hollywood Casino Columbus, poker players can take advantage of one of the best poker rooms in the entire state, with daily cash games and weekly tournaments for players of all sizes.
  • Sports Betting: Also specific to Hollywood Casino, there is a sportsbook where people who want to place bets on sports can do so. There are live tellers to accept your bets, or you can visit one of the many sports betting kiosks on the property.

FAQ

What age do you have to be to gamble at casinos in Columbus?

You have to be at least 21 years old to gamble at casinos in Columbus. It is worth noting, that at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, you only must be 18 years of age or older to bet on horses.

Which was the latest casino to open in Columbus?

Opening in October of 2012, the Hollywood Casino Columbus is the latest casino to open in Columbus.

Are Columbus casinos safe to gamble in?

Yes, thanks to the Ohio Casino Control Commission which oversees and regulates the industry in the Buckeye State, it is extremely safe and secure to gamble in Columbus casinos.

Is the Hollywood Casino Columbus the biggest casino in the region?

Yes, coming in at 160,000 square feet of total gaming space, Hollywood Casino Columbus is the biggest casino in the region.

Are there any hotels near the casinos in Columbus?

Yes, there are many hotels near the casinos in Columbus, ranging all over the spectrum in terms of affordability. Those hotels include Courtyard by Marriott Columbus West/Hilliard, Holiday Inn Columbus, Home2 Suites by Hilton Columbus West, and more.

Author Details

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers

Johnny Covers is a sports betting expert and author at OH Betting. He is a seasoned analyst in sports betting and has been offering handicapping insights for almost a decade. He has shared his expert analyses with various publications over the years, including All-In Magazine, Blitz Predict, FantasyPros, Betting Pros, Sportsbook Review, Golf Monthly, and OddsChecker.