Discover the best casinos in Cleveland, Ohio, with our expert advice from fellow casino enthusiasts. Get the latest on Cleveland casinos only at Ohio.Bet.
The Best Casinos Near Cleveland, Ohio
Ohio is home to some of the most exciting land-based casinos in the Midwest, offering players a thrilling mix of gaming, live entertainment, and superb dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy night out with friends or a more relaxed evening at the tables, Ohio’s casino scene has something for everyone.
This article explores the best casinos in Cleveland, highlighting the best spots for gaming, live entertainment, and fine food and drink options. From luxurious resorts to vibrant gaming floors, we’ll break down what makes each casino stand out and why they should be on your must-visit list.
There are four legally operating full-service casinos in Ohio, and Cleveland is home to one of these premier destinations: JACK Cleveland Casino. This iconic venue offers a full range of Vegas-style games, including slots, poker, and other popular table games like blackjack.
Finding Legal Casinos in Cleveland
Gambling legislation has undergone many changes over the years, as Ohio has slowly opened up more to gambling activities. Although online casinos are still not permitted in the state, Ohioans have been able to enjoy online sportsbooks since 2021, and land-based casinos have been legally permitted since 2009.
That being said, there are currently only four full-service casinos in the state, and given the nearly 45 thousand square miles the state covers, there is quite some distance between them. Thus, when looking for casinos in Cleveland, we’re focused on those close by.
How We Assess Cincinnati Casinos
To help you determine whether our values align with yours on what constitutes the best casino in Cleveland, we have broken down below the key elements that we look for when assessing land-based casinos:
Accessibility
Our priority in this article is casinos that aren’t too far away for Clevelanders to travel to, so you can plan a night out at one of these venues instead of a longer trip that might not be appropriate in all instances.
Game Variety
As gaming is the priority for most casino players, the first thing we look for is whether there is a full range of casino games on offer, including well-known slot machines, poker rooms, and other table games like roulette or blackjack, plus more social-based casino games like bingo or Keno.
Live Entertainment
If you’re making a night of it, you’ll likely be looking for further entertainment beyond playing the slots or sitting at the tables. Many casinos offer other forms of entertainment, including live music acts and social competitions. This is another area that can enrich your overall venue experience.
Food & Drink
We also pay particular attention to food and drink availability. Are there restaurants on-site? A choice of cuisines, bars for casual drinks, nightclubs, late-night snacks, or upmarket restaurants?
Accommodation
Although this article focuses on convenient casinos for Clevelanders, we also check out the accommodation options in case you want to make a weekend of it or have a few drinks and avoid the drive home. Some venues offer on-site hotel facilities where you can check in for a night and enjoy breakfast before heading home.
Casinos Around the Cleveland Area
Of the four full-service casinos in Ohio, there is only one in the city: JACK Cleveland Casino, which is located in downtown Cleveland. The other three are as follows:
- Hollywood Casino Columbus
- Hollywood Casino Toledo
- Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
If you don’t wish to travel the length and breadth of the state to visit a casino, you do have a couple of racino options, which, for the uninitiated, are racetrack/casino combos that offer varying degrees of gaming as well as a track where you can enjoy the racing.
JACK Cleveland Casino | Downtown Cleveland
🏆Best For: Playing serious poker and classic table games.
💬Our editor’s view: “The only official casino in the city is the JACK Cleveland Casino in Public Square in the heart of downtown Cleveland. JACK Cleveland Casino started life as Horseshoe Cleveland before rebranding in May 2016. JACK operates the casino in Cleveland and the popular racino in North Randall.
“JACK Cleveland Casino features 100,000 square feet of gaming space covering slot machines, classic table games, and a large, luxurious poker room. You can also bet on a wide range of sporting events at the betJACK sportsbook.
“When it comes to dining options at JACK Cleveland Casino, there’s a fantastic range to choose from, including the Seven Chefs Buffet, a Starbucks, the American Burger Bar, Whalburgers, and Stack’d, which dishes out tasty snacks including hot and cold sandwiches and pizzas. If you’re looking for something more upmarket, you can use comps earned on-site at several restaurants in the vicinity.
“Although there is no hotel in the complex, given its location, there are plenty of options if you wish to stay overnight at one of the many hotels nearby.”
MGM Northfield Park | Northfield
🏆Best For: Harness racing and live entertainment.
💬Our editor’s view: “MGM Northfield Park was originally part of the Hard Rock franchise before being taken over by the iconic MGM brand in 2019. It operates as a racino, with a full track hosting 200+ harness racing events throughout the year. If you’re a fan of the horses, it’s a must-visit venue.
“For fans of traditional casino gaming, there are 2,300+ electronic gaming machines, including slots and video lottery terminals, although no traditional table games are available. There is a high-stakes gaming area and outdoor patio with a cool view over the track.
In terms of dining, there is a sports bar for casual food and drinks, Valley’s Edge Steak & Seafood restaurant, The Buffet serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the delightful Concerto Italian Kitchen serving up authentic Italian cuisine.
“MGM Northfield Park is also a top choice for live entertainment, hosting regular acts from live music to comedy and live podcast events across two excellent venues: the Centre Stage concert hall and The Neon Room nightclub.”
JACK Thistledown Racino | North Randall
🏆Best For: Betting on nationwide horse racing.
💬Our editor’s view: “JACK Thistledown Racino is slightly closer to Cleveland, in North Randall, a 20-minute drive from town.
“Initially established in the 1930s as a horse racing track, the site has transitioned into a racino, now offering over 1,400 gaming machines, including slots and electronic table games. If you’re a racing fan, you can take advantage of the simulcast wagering and bet on and watch racing events from around the country.
“JACK venues offer a clubJACK loyalty club where members can earn rewards for playing their favorite games at any JACK-branded sites. Rewards include bonus play, member discounts, priority service, exclusive experiences, and more.
“Parking is a breeze at Thistledown, and there are plenty of dining options from casual bakery food to classic burgers, a brunch grille, and an Italian pasta bar. There are nearby hotels if you don’t fancy the drive home at the end of your evening.”
To learn more about casinos in Cleveland and what’s on offer in terms of gambling activities across the rest of the state, from sports betting to land-based casinos, racinos, and more, check out the latest news from our team of experts at Ohio.Bet.
