Find the best casinos near Cincinnati, Ohio, with our comprehensive list of casino venues in and around the area. Get top casino advice from Ohio.Bet.
The Best Casinos Near Cincinnati
This article reveals the best casinos near Cincinnati, Ohio, and what you can expect from each venue. We highlight the top spots for gaming, entertainment, and dining.
Ohio residents have been lucky enough to enjoy a thriving casino scene since the state legalized casino gaming in 2009. The state has four full-service land-based casinos, and Cincinnati is home to one of these: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.
It offers a full range of Vegas-style games, including popular slot machines, poker, and roulette. Plus, there’s plenty in the way of live entertainment and dining, as you would expect from a Hard Rock venue.
While the other three Ohio casinos are a considerable distance from Cincinnati, as a resident of the Queen City, you won’t have to travel miles across the state to access other options. Belterra Park is also in town, while Newport Racing & Gaming and Turfway Park are just over the state line in Kentucky.
Another option worth considering is Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg in neighboring Indiana. Unlike the Kentucky gaming venues, Hollywood offers traditional casino slots and live table games, making it one of the closest alternatives to Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.
Gambling Legislation in Ohio
While Cincinnati casinos weren’t officially legalized until 2009, Ohioans have been able to legally bet on horses since the early 20th century. The Ohio State Lottery was established in 1973, with charitable bingo authorized two years later.
The 2009 constitutional amendment allowed four full-service casinos to operate in Ohio, with locations in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. Cincinnati’s casino opened in 2013.
Finally, in late 2021, online sports betting was legalized, and retail sportsbooks and mobile apps launched in January 2023.
As of October 2026, Ohio still does not permit real-money online casino gaming. Players can visit licensed land-based casinos or use regulated online sportsbooks, but traditional online slots, blackjack, and roulette are not legally available through Ohio-licensed online casinos.
See all available sports gambling sites in Ohio here.
How We Assess Cincinnati Casinos
Until the time comes when the state opens up to online casinos, players looking for traditional casino games have to visit land-based Cincinnati casinos and those accessible in neighboring states.
To help you decide which is the best one for you, we’ve assessed the closest sites against the following criteria:
Accessibility
For this article, we focus on sites easily accessible for Cincinnati residents, so you won’t have to travel miles in the car. If you’re looking for a night out, you ideally want somewhere close by that ticks all your casino entertainment boxes.
Game Variety
To this end, we first look at the gaming options available. Are there lots of slots? Are there enough tables offering different stake limits? What about dedicated poker rooms or access to racing? These are all important considerations when picking a suitable casino venue.
It’s also worth knowing that not every venue offers traditional casino gaming. Ohio racinos feature video lottery terminals, while Kentucky venues operate historical racing machines that look similar to slots but work differently.
Live Entertainment
Visiting a land-based venue isn’t all about playing your favorite casino games. You want to make a night out of it with friends, so we’re always looking to see what entertainment the venue provides, from live music performances to members’ clubs, competitions, and more.
Food & Drink
No night out is complete without a few casual drinks or a nice meal, so we like to check out what dining options are available, whether that’s casual snacks, classic cocktails at the bar, or a full-on restaurant experience.
Accommodation
If you do want to make more than just a night out, having an on-site hotel or other accommodation options is a definite bonus. We also look at what Cincinnati casinos have in terms of accommodation and options to stay in the surrounding areas.
TOP Casino Resorts in Cincinnati
Four full-service casinos are dotted around Ohio, with Cincinnati hosting one of the best venues in the state. In terms of casinos in Cincinnati, you have Hard Rock Casino and Belterra Park racino, which are both easily accessible to Cincinnati residents.
There is also Newport Racing & Gaming and Turfway Park just across the state border in Kentucky, which are closer than traveling upstate to Columbus or Cleveland.
For those looking for another full-service casino, Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg in Indiana is also within easy reach.
Hard Rock Casino | Broadway Street, Cincinnati
🏆 Best For: Live entertainment backed by a global brand.
💬 Our editor’s view:
“Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is an Ohio venue that started life as Horseshoe Casino before being taken over by the iconic Hard Rock brand in 2019. This vibrant casino venue features slots, table games, and live poker.
“There are more than 1,600 slot machines, plus nearly 100 live table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. If you’re a fan of poker, there’s a dedicated live poker room offering games and tournaments around the clock.
“The site is known for its famous Hard Rock Cafe, which attracts visitors in its own right, serving classic American food and drink in its iconic rock-themed setting. For something more upmarket, you can also check out Council Oak Steaks & Seafood restaurant, or Brick’d Pizza for classic cheesy deliciousness. Other dining options include YOUYU for Asian-inspired dishes and Constant Grind for coffee and pastries.
“Entertainment is a huge part of the Hard Rock experience, with live music, comedy, and events hosted regularly. The events calendar features national touring performers alongside other entertainment catering to a wide audience.
“There’s also a sportsbook and the Unity by Hard Rock rewards program, where members can earn and redeem rewards at participating Hard Rock properties. The casino is open 24/7, making it one of the most convenient options for downtown Cincinnati visitors.
“One thing to remember is that Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati doesn’t have its own hotel, although there are plenty of accommodation options downtown.”
Belterra Park | Kellogg Road, Cincinnati
🏆 Best For: Horse racing from around the country.
💬 Our editor’s view:
“Belterra Park is just off I-275, making it an easily accessible venue from anywhere in the tri-state area, and only a 10-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati. Established in 2014, it’s a racino venue that combines horse racing and casino-style gaming, with more than 1,100 gaming machines.
“Unlike Hard Rock Casino, Belterra Park doesn’t offer traditional slot machines or live-dealer table games. Its gaming floor features video lottery terminals, which are regulated through the Ohio Lottery. There’s also a sportsbook for visitors interested in betting on major sporting events.
“Racing fans can enjoy fantastic views of the track from the gaming terrace, where you can take in the racing during the live season and enjoy simulcast wagering on races from other tracks around the country.
“Several dining options are available for regular visitors, plus the exclusive Club 38, which is only accessible to Emerald, Onyx, and Titanium members of the Boyd Rewards club.
“The Stadium Sports Bar & Grill and Burger Brothers offer casual dining, or for something a little more substantial, Chef’s Table at Favorites provides an array of meals from creamy pastas and fresh salads to slow-roasted prime rib.
“The Boyd Rewards club connects you to participating Boyd Gaming properties across the country, where you can earn rewards and move your way up the multi-tiered program through credits earned as you play. Depending on the property and your membership status, rewards can include gaming benefits, dining discounts, and accommodation offers.
“Belterra Park doesn’t have an on-site hotel, but its combination of horse racing, gaming machines, sports betting, and dining makes it a good option for Cincinnati residents looking for an evening out without leaving the city.”
Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg | Hollywood Boulevard, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
🏆 Best For: Traditional casino gaming outside Cincinnati.
💬 Our editor’s view:
“Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg is one of the closest full-service casinos to Cincinnati, located just across the state border in Indiana. It’s a particularly good alternative to Hard Rock Casino for visitors who want traditional slot machines and live table games.
“The casino features more than 950 slot machines, including video slots, classic reel games, and progressive jackpots. You can also find familiar table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps, plus electronic poker options.
“Sports fans have access to a dedicated sportsbook, with 25 betting kiosks and 20 HDTVs showing major games and sporting events. This makes Hollywood an option for those who enjoy combining casino gaming with sports betting.
“There are several options for food and drink, along with entertainment and promotions throughout the year. The casino is part of PENN Entertainment, so visitors can also join the PENN Play loyalty program to earn rewards at participating properties.
“Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg is particularly worth considering if you’re looking for a different casino experience without traveling to Columbus, Cleveland, or another major Ohio city. Its location makes it suitable for an evening trip from Cincinnati, while nearby hotels provide options for those who want to stay overnight.”
Newport Racing & Gaming | Newport, Kentucky
🏆 Best For: Convenient gaming and loyalty rewards near downtown Cincinnati.
💬 Our editor’s view:
“Despite being in a different state, Newport Racing & Gaming is only a short drive from downtown Cincinnati, making it one of the most convenient gaming venues near the city. Operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the venue offers players a combination of racing, gaming machines, and sports betting.
“Newport Racing & Gaming has more than 400 historical racing machines, including popular game themes such as Buffalo, Wheel of Fortune, and Ultimate Fire Link. These machines look and play much like traditional slots, but their outcomes are based on historical horse racing results rather than conventional slot mechanics.
“The venue also features four electronic table gaming terminals, including electronic roulette, but no traditional live-dealer table games.
“Racing fans can enjoy simulcast horse racing, while sports bettors have access to 10 betting kiosks covering major sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and soccer.
“It’s a smaller venue with limited entertainment and no hotel accommodation, but because it’s so close to the city, that shouldn’t be a concern for Cincinnati locals. There is an on-site Bar and Grille called Smiley’s, offering burgers, salads, bar snacks, cocktails, and other casual food.
“The loyalty program stands out at Newport, offering rewards through FastTrack Rewards. Members can earn points for free play, dining discounts, and other benefits, with promotions available for new members.
“New members can also take advantage of a free-play offer, although the amount and conditions depend on the current promotion. For example, a $50 free-play offer has been advertised across several visits rather than being paid in full at registration.
“You can also use your FastTrack Rewards card at the venue’s sister property, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming, in Florence, Kentucky.”
Turfway Park Racing & Gaming | Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky
🏆 Best For: Horse racing, gaming machines, and live entertainment.
💬 Our editor’s view:
“Turfway Park Racing & Gaming is another convenient option for Cincinnati residents, located in Florence, Kentucky, near Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the venue combines horse racing with a large gaming floor, restaurants, and live entertainment.
“There are nearly 800 historical racing machines, featuring popular games such as Wheel of Fortune, Ultimate Fire Link, and Buffalo, plus 12 electronic table gaming terminals. Like Newport Racing & Gaming, these aren’t traditional casino slot machines, and you won’t find live-dealer blackjack or roulette tables.
“Horse racing remains a major part of the Turfway Park experience, with live racing during its scheduled season and simulcast betting available on races from other tracks. Sports betting is also available, with 15 kiosks located throughout the property.
“Food and entertainment are strong features of Turfway Park. Churchill’s Bourbon & Brew serves casual food and drinks, with live music and big-screen TVs showing major sports. There’s also Serena’s Pizzeria and Homestretch for other dining options.
“The venue regularly hosts concerts, DJs, and other entertainment, making it a good choice for visitors who want more than just gaming machines.
“Turfway Park shares the FastTrack Rewards program with Newport Racing & Gaming, allowing members to earn and redeem points at both locations. The gaming floor is also open 24 hours a day, giving visitors plenty of flexibility when planning a trip.
“While the venue doesn’t have its own hotel, accommodation is available around Florence and the airport area.”
Get The Latest from The Ohio Casino Scene
To get the latest betting and casino news from around the state, turn to the team at Ohio.Bet. We’re passionate about the industry and committed to giving you open and honest advice about casino gaming in Ohio and the surrounding states.
Whether you’re looking for traditional land-based casinos, horse racing venues, or legal sports betting options, you can find more reviews and insights at Ohio.Bet today.
