Here, we will tell you about the top racinos in the Buckeye state. We will also provide you with some details about the best land-based casinos in Ohio. We have summarized the main details of the local gambling laws and included valuable info about the top-paying racinos in Ohio. At the end of this guide, we have prepared answers to the most popular questions on the topic.
Racinos in Ohio
If you have never heard of racinos before, this is a racetrack and a casino in the same gambling venue, hence the name. The first one opened just months after the state accepted the Ohio Casino Control Act of 2011. Today, there are about half a dozen establishments which you can visit in Ohio. In the table below, we have prepared an Ohio racinos list:
🎲 Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center | 📍 Anderson Township |
🎲 Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | 📍 Dayton |
🎲 Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Racecourse | 📍 Austinworth |
🎲 Jack Thistledown Racino | 📍 North Randall |
🎲 MGM Northfield Park | 📍 Northfield |
🎲 Miami Valley Gaming | 📍 Turtlecreek Township |
🎲 Scioto Downs Racino | 📍 Columbus |
Unlike at the best US online casinos, you can only play on Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) at the top-paying racinos in Ohio. These games are a lot like slots, but the game mechanics are those of a lottery. After you place a bet, the outcome is determined, just like the lotto. If you want to play some blackjack or roulette, continue reading and find more about the top land-based gaming establishments in the state.
The Top Casinos in Ohio
You can enjoy a range of popular and beloved games at brick-and-mortar casinos in Ohio. Players can choose from slot machines, roulette and blackjack tables, casino poker and tournaments, and much more. We have prepared a list of the top casinos in Ohio below for those of you planning a visit to the state:
- Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
- Hollywood Casino Toledo
- Hollywood Casino Columbus
- Jack Cleveland Casino
Each of these top-rated gambling venues is fully licensed by the local gaming authority – the Ohio Casino Control Commission. So, you can enjoy a safe and secure experience whichever one you choose. Moreover, you can choose from hundreds, sometimes thousands, of games at the Ohio land-based casinos, but they do not come close to the experience you could get from the best online gambling sites in the USA.
Racetracks in Ohio – Racino Competitors
Racinos are not the only place you can wager on horse races in Ohio. Currently, the main and only competitor of racinos is the Delaware County Fairgrounds racetrack. It is a half-mile dirt racing oval for harness events in Ohio. Since 1946, the Delaware County Agricultural Society operates this gambling venue.
The biggest event of the year is the Little Brown Jug – the premier event in the USA for three-year-old pacers. This is also the last of the Triple Crown of Harness Racing series. Other popular events include the Little Brown Jugette, the Buckette 3YO Filly Trot, the Old Oaken Bucket, the Ohio Breeders Championship races, and the Ms Versatility Final.
Gambling Laws in Ohio
Ohio is one of the many states that have a long-lasting relationship with gambling. In 1933, the state’s general assembly legalized horseracing. Decades later, in the 1980s, Ohio’s first lottery was legalized by popular vote. During the same decade, politicians began to push for a bill to allow casinos to operate in the state.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission was established with the passing of the Ohio Casino Control Act 2011. This government body is a law enforcement agency whose goal is to ensure all licensed casinos in the state abide by the Control Act 2011. Some of its responsibilities include investigating cases of fraud or cheating.
Other duties of the Ohio Casino Control Commission are to verify that the state-regulated casinos offer fair games. In addition to that, you can find agents at all casinos in Ohio. The Commission representatives are on call 24/7, so you can report any suspicious activities at any time.
The Ohio gambling laws might be a little confusing at times. Thus, the Ohio Casino Control Commission has released a clear set of rules about casino operations. The law enforcement agency oversees the casino games and employees and pretty much everything gambling-related in the state. Hence, you can expect a fair and safe gaming experience at all state-regulated Ohio casinos and racinos.
It’s important to note that the state only regulates land-based gambling activities. Currently, the Ohio online gambling market is unregulated. For the time being, no law bans or legalizes online gambling activities. But given the number of US states that have allowed online casinos, it’s just a matter of time before that changes.
Minimum Gambling Age in Ohio
The minimum gambling age in Ohio varies depending on what game you want to participate in. Players must be at least 21 years old to gamble at brick-and-mortar casinos. However, if you want to bet at the racetracks, you must be 18 or older. The same applies to lottery tickets.
Popular Questions About Racinos in OH
We’ve reached the end of our guide, and we hope that it has answered all your questions on the topic. However, we know that some of you might be curious to learn more about the best Ohio racinos. Thus, we prepared our handy frequently asked questions section for your convenience.