As a traveler, are you always looking for the best casinos to test your blackjack strategies? If so, you’re in for a treat! The city of Ohio is a flourishing gaming center where a host of casinos are present, promising not only slot machines and table games but also an impressive entertainment package. Ohio’s casino scene offers something for everyone, from the flashing lights of the slot machines to anticipation of live shows. Join us, and we will help you navigate the best and most profitable casinos in Buckeye State.
1. Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
Located in Central Ohio, Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs serves as a bridge of gaming history, the first racino in the state. Torrentially blending the buzz of modern gaming with the venerable pageantry of Horse Racing, this jewel of a property — officially opened its doors to slots (VLT) play on June 1, 2012 — speaks to its operating roots — stemming back to 1959. Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs provides a unique entertainment experience with the management of MTR Gaming Group and oversight by the Ohio Lottery Commission.
Gaming at Eldorado Scioto Downs
Step into the expansive 117,000 square feet of gaming excitement, featuring over 2,100 video lottery terminals to provide the same exciting game experience enjoyed in any renowned Las Vegas or Atlantic City casinos. These VLTs run through advanced lottery servers to increase security and eliminate human error. Twenty-four hours a day, the racino offers a wide range of gaming choices — from reel slots to video slots and video keno — for everyone’s taste. Playing for a penny or betting up to $100, handling money is no problem —machines take cash and tickets, and cashing out is easy. Tickets are redeemable at Guest Services or, more conveniently, at the 19 Cash Centers. If you haven’t entirely picked up on the merry-go-round, a primer, “Video Lottery Taxial Terminals 101,” is on hand, but everyone from newbies to veterans will feel right at home playing the games; the games are just about the same as you’d find in Vegas, even though we’re not Vegas.
Dining & Restaurant
Dining is more of an ambiance for the Eldorado Scioto Downs than an experience, but it’s as varied and exciting a dining experience as the gaming floor itself. Fine dining is offered at the Clubhouse, where guests can enjoy a race track view, a backdrop to steaks, and hearty American comfort food. If you’re into international cuisine, The Grove Buffet has seven dining stations featuring Italian, Asian, and American dishes for you to choose from at an all-you-can-eat casual affair. Where craft brews and wood-fired pizzas are combined in a clatter of an adjacent state-of-the-art microbrewery and served in a bright venue. The Penthouse and The Patio offer a variety of American snacks and meals with a casual accompanying dining option to watch the races. Finally, Scioto Scoops dishes out its delicious Velvet Ice Cream to those with a sweet tooth, and Dash Cafe is there to give people excellent hearty meals any time of day. Guests can choose whether they want a gourmet meal or something to eat quickly; no matter what, they will find a great dining experience at Eldorado Scioto Downs.
Eldorado Scioto Downs Venues & Hotspots
The Veil Bar at Eldorado Scioto Downs is the heart of the hustle and bustle of the action, being a premier hotspot for live entertainment, dancing, and drinks on lively weekends. The bar is open daily from 9 pm to 1 am and has enticing drink specials for weekdays, so it usually functions as a meeting point most of the week. The racino, a hybrid race-and-sports betting and entertainment venue, also boasts the addition of its Race Track Summer Concert Series, a seasonal attraction of top-name acts performing in outdoor concerts on the race track from May through September. Sharing memorable evenings under the stars with a combination of country and rock artists, the series is assured. These venues work together to bring you an exciting and diverse entertainment experience; there is always something to see at Eldorado Scioto Downs.
2. Miami Valley Gaming
Miami Valley Gaming and Miami Valley Raceway opened in late December 2013. Bringing the live, thrilling seasonal harness racing experience of the well-known Lebanon Raceway to its patrons, this venue provides the venue.
Gaming at Miami Valley Gaming
The facility of Miami Valley Gaming provides an exhilarating gaming experience with over 2,200 of the latest slot games backed by 68,000 square feet of exciting gaming. The casino’s impressive venue has got to be the 10,000-square-foot outdoor gaming patio. Besides slots, guests can watch the 5/8 mile harness racetrack and racing simulcast center, which features 24/7 live broadcasts of significant national, international & western harness racing. A grandstand that seats up to 1,000 spectators, which is 14,600 square feet, frames the property and provides incredible viewing of the action. The former simulcast room has been transformed into the Race & Sportsbook, and sports fans aged 21 and over are welcome to participate in the sports betting excitement. Each year, as January rolls around, live racing returns to tip things off in more ways than one at Miami Valley Gaming.
Dining & Restaurants
With your dining options varying from a burger and fries at the corner tavern to Wolfgang Puck-inspired cuisine in the dining room at the center, you’ll never go hungry at Miami Valley Gaming. With American favorites like fresh, never-frozen burgers, Cincinnati-style chili, New York-style pizza, and recently tacos, the trifecta is the go-to place for quick eats. If you are looking for fine dining but want to avoid the expensive price, Cin City Sea & Steak offers a great selection of seafood and steak set in a charming 1940s-style décor. Lucia & Route 63 satisfies both cravings for comfort and Italian cuisine with classics like meatloaf mash, creamy classic mac & cheese, and pizzas and pasta. In short order, MV Perks offers specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and a selection of grab-and-go items for a quick caffeine fix or a light bite.
Miami Valley Gaming Venues & Hotspots
Located on the gaming floor between the Player Development desk and the VIP Casino Host desk, the Center Bar is the energetic nucleus of the casino at Miami Valley Gaming. It overflows with players excited to watch live entertainment on Fridays, Saturdays, and occasional specials. In this place, patrons will find various drinks, from masterfully prepared cocktails and first-rate spirits to a vast selection of Ohio’s finest craft beers. Those planning events can rely on Miami Valley Gaming’s versatile venues, which are perfect for gatherings large or small. The space allows 100-1,500 guests to sit in the hook and loop seating area of the Grandstand, which is adjacent to the indoor racetrack. The Buckeye Room is a perfect setting for smaller gatherings, up to 85 attendees.
Miami Valley Gaming Attractions & Entertainment
Miami Valley Raceway is central to the exciting attractions and fun at Miami Valley Gaming. The raceway upholds the illustrious tradition of live harness racing, drawing the region’s enthusiasts to this great event. The venue is conveniently located between Cincinnati and Dayton, off Interstates I74 and I75 Exit 29, to provide fans with a short journey to experience the excitement. Five-eighths of a mile race track exists with a 15,000 square foot grandstand holding up to a thousand fans eager to watch the action. One hundred fifty-six stalls in the paddock accommodate the racing community. Miami Valley Raceway races usually begin at 4 PM on Sunday and through Thursday, offering a wonderful and exhilarating experience for all attendees.
3. MGM Northfield Park
On the Northfield Park harness racing grounds, MGM Northfield Park, previously Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield, hosts over 200 live harness races annually. This racino is about 20 miles southeast of downtown Cleveland, 20 miles north of Akron, buzzing around the clock with new energy and memorable experiences.
Gaming at MGM Northfield Park
MGM Northfield Park offers an unbridled gaming experience with over 200,000 sq. ft. of gaming space, including over 2,000 gaming machines, including the ever-popular Fu Dai Lian Lian Dragon and Dollar Storm. High rollers can play 70 VLT games with jackpots over $250,000 in the High Limit Room and outdoor patio. Gaming may also be enjoyed on three climate-controlled all-season outdoor patios over 8,000 square feet with 240 machines to complement these and a designated smoking area with full beverage service adjacent to the North and South entrances. The Ohio Sires Stakes series and numerous large races take place on the Northfield Park half-mile harness racing track adjacent to the gaming area. Have all the action of top thoroughbred and harness tracks around the globe at your fingertips, with thousands of races from noon to 1 AM and with private TV carrels or the Trackside Lounge to accommodate your needs.
Dining & Restaurants
Dining options at MGM Northfield Park are pretty varied and most certainly will be to everyone’s liking. Kosar’s Wood-Fired Grill boasts excellent steaks, chops, and a seafood grill to perfection over a wood-fired grill, served with specialty premium drinks: a reservation is a must. Concerto Italian Kitchen also whets your appetite for some of Ohio’s best pizzas, excellent pasta dishes, and Italian desserts. TAP Sports Bar comes recommended to sports enthusiasts for an energetic atmosphere, local and craft beers, and a wide selection of American classics and contemporary selections to catch the latest games. With over 60 fresh selections of the best international cuisines and six live-action cooking stations, the Buffet provides an extraordinary all-you-can-eat experience that will satisfy even the pickiest palates. On the go, The Roasted Bean offers a quick-serve bistro of coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and more, open early – late and 24 hours on weekends. MGM Northfield Park offers many high-quality dining experiences, guaranteeing an incredible culinary journey.
MGM Northfield Park Venues & Hotspots
MGM Northfield Park is a premier location for events and entertainment, hosting multiple venues to accommodate every throw. The Meeting & Event Space is perfect for corporate meetings, seminars, fundraisers, or personal gatherings, giving your business and celebration the ideal backdrop. Center Stage is a top-notch concert-style music hall, seating 1,900 patrons, with a state-of-the-art audio and lighting system sought by many live music and comedy acts. The Neon Room, meanwhile, is a versatile space for comedy shows and musical performances with an added capacity to change, transforming into a corporate or special event space. These venues work together to demonstrate how MGM Northfield Park flexes its capable quality muscle to create unforgettable events for everyone.
MGM Northfield Park Attractions & Entertainment
Northfield Park Live and Simulcast Racing are just some of the attractions from MGM Northfield Park, which also includes things to see. A half-mile harness racing track proudly showcases some of the best events, including the Ohio Sires Stakes series and the $400,000 Carl Milstein Memorial. From top thoroughbred and harness tracks throughout North America and Australia, an extensive racing schedule of over 222 nights per year allows visitors to immerse themselves in the excitement of daily wagering. The Trackside Lounge is a state-of-the-art sports bar with dozens of flat-screen TVs, private seating areas, and a full bar service featuring a snack menu. Guests can choose to sit at the bar overlooking the square or across the room from massive 100” sports monitors or enjoy theater-style seating from comfortable leather sofas in a private viewing area. Now, Lady Luck’s Clubhouse (somewhat predictably) is open seasonally, and the park’s concession stand, serving up an excellent selection of tasty sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, and wing options, offers a full entertainment and dining experience for all visitors.