Despite being something of a secondary market in the state, there are some good . And while it’s not up there with places like or Toledo, you do have some options at your disposal.
This blog looks at the Cleveland casinos and what they can offer.
Top Casinos in Cleveland, Ohio
Before we take an in-depth look at each casino in Cleveland, Ohio, here is a quick overview of our top five picks:
real slots for real money online- All American Gold Poker Room at the Hollywood Casino has more than 1,500 slots and electronic table games alongside 60 live dealer tables offering games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat.
- JACK Cleveland’s gaming floor has around 1,000 slot machines along with live table games consisting of blackjack, roulette, craps, Spanish 21, and more.
- The MGM Northfield Park has a thrilling casino with more than 2,500 slot machines and electronic table games spread over two floors.
- There are more than 1,500 hot drop jackpots and much more to enjoy at the JACK Thistledown Racino.
- Midalidee’s Bar & Grill at the Hard Rock Rocksino offers electronic roulette with four playstation terminals.
1. Hollywood Casino
The Hollywood Casino in Cleveland is owned and operated by Penn National Gaming and sits on the waterfront in the Tower City Center shopping mall.
The All American Gold Poker Room within the casino offers players 60 live table games, including mini and megapixel baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, Spanish 21, and pai gow. You’ll also find almost 2,000 electronic games, including reel machines, video poker, and hot drop jackpots.
Between the different machines, you can find minimum wagers as low as 1 cent, and maximum wagers of up to $100. This makes it ideal for all forms of player, regardless of budget or experience.
Like other , you don’t have to worry about etiquette here. Unlike Las Vegas or Macau, there is no specific way of conducting yourself at the tables. Learn more about casino protocol and other relevant info by checking out our beginner’s guide to casino gambling below.
If you plan on playing the live tables, I recommend learning how to play the game in question before hitting up the casino floor. While dealers are on hand to help you out, this will slow down the game for everyone else.
On the whole, I like the range of games provided at Hollywood Casino in Cleveland. It caters to high and rollers and those with smaller bankrolls, making it accessible to all.
When I last visited, there were plenty of empty tables, suggesting this place isn’t as busy as some. That said, it’s worth checking out the times various tables are open, as this can vary.
Service was good in the bar, and the staff seemed friendly enough—although I didn’t have time to strike up a conversation. Would I return? Yes. Do I think it’s the best casino in Cleveland, Ohio? Not necessarily. But it has its perks.
For example, if you sign up for the club, you can get $30 in free matchplay and be in with a chance of winning one of three $1,000 prizes. Not bad for a first deposit. Visit our page about for more details on this promo and any current specials.
Pros:
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60 live table games including blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as 2,000+ electronic games
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Table games with minimum/maximum wagers starting at 1c/$100
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Good range of progressive and non-progressive real money slot machines
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Lots of promotions, giveaways, and competitions
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Close to other entertainment venues
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Some live tables have limited opening hours
Other Casinos Near Cleveland, OH
While the above are the best casinos in Cleveland city limits, there are others within a short drive.
These include:
2. JACK Cleveland
JACK Cleveland is one of three JACK Entertainment casinos in and around the city. This one is situated on Public Square, making it pretty central and easily accessible.
The gaming floor features around 1,000 slot machines and a variety of live table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and Spanish 21. On my recent visit, most of the tables were in use, which gave me a great opportunity to check out the dealers and their banter. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, which created a nice atmosphere on the floor.
You won’t be short of things to do at this casino in Cleveland, Ohio.
There are loads of traditional and modern slot machines taking bets from as little as $0.01. So even if you have a small bankroll, you can still win big.
I liked the fact that the casino had lots of natural light, as well as comfy chairs and stools. This made it easy to relax and not notice the time flying by.
If you plan on playing at JACK Cleveland, I suggest taking one of the many casinos near Cleveland, OH. This will enable you to relax, have a smoke, and clear your head.
Dealing with smoke in enclosed spaces is something people need to do more of in casinos. For a smokeless alternative, consider the .
JACK Entertainment has a loyalty scheme known as JACK CERSTAGE. Through this, you can earn points and exchange them for cash, free play, gifts, and comps.
Best Video Poker Games of 2023Promotions change all the time, so make sure you check the site before heading down to see what’s currently active.
Pros:
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Around 1,000 slot machines and a variety of live table games
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Slot machines take bets from as little as $0.01
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Comfortable seating and natural light
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Loyalty scheme with multiple redemption options
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Some table games have limited opening hours
3. MGM Northfield Park
The MGM Northfield Park sits just outside of Cleveland in Northfield, making it technically one of the suburban casinos. However, it’s only a ten-minute drive from downtown, so I’m willing to let it off.
This Cleveland area casino has exactly what you would expect from a major brand — lots of games, tasty food, and an electric atmosphere.
Situated across two main floors are more than 2,500 hot drop jackpot slot machines and electronic games. These consist of classic reels, video poker, and much more.
I decided to start with the hot drops since these seemed to be paying out more regularly than others. Within about 45 minutes, I managed to double my money, which was pleasing.
What’s also nice about MGM Northfield Park is that it has dedicated smoking areas. Given that this is one of the top casinos in northeast Ohio, it would be weird if it didn’t. If you’re thinking of visiting, I’d suggest doing so now, especially if you’re anti vaping too!
Anyway, the smoking sections give you a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air without feeling claustrophobic.
There are tons of dining options inside the casino and somewhere for everyone, whether you want fast food or sit-down meals. I tried the burger place and was not disappointed.
Are there better casinos in Cleveland, Ohio? Probably not when it comes to MGM Northfield Park’s slots and gaming options. The live tables are plentiful and varied, plus there’s harness racing throughout the year.
Newbies should familiarize themselves with the . This will ensure they know what is and is not allowed and have the best possible experience.
Pros:
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More than 2,500 hot drop jackpot slot machines and other electronic games
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Dedicated smoking sections away from the main casino floor
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Loads of dining options for all tastes and budgets
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Live table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps
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Can get quite busy, especially at weekends
4. JACK Thistledown Racino
Of all the Cleveland casinos, JACK Thistledown Racino is arguably the most underrated. It doesn’t seem to get the love that others get, but that could be because it’s a rural track.
Either way, it’s worthy of your attention.
Live racing takes place between May and September, with additional meetings in April, October, and November. Even if you’re not into horses, this place is still worth a visit. Why? Because it has more than 1,500 hot drop jackpots and much more.
Other games include reel machines, video poker, and electronic roulette. With a mix of denominations, you can play from as little as $0.01 per spin.
Being a rural casino, JACK Thistledown Racino is not as big as some. This means the slots and tables aren’t cramped together, giving you space to unwind and really get into the action.
Smoking is permitted in certain parts of the building, and there is an outdoor sports bar/lounge where you can vape to your heart’s content.
As for the races, you can watch them unfold on various screens dotted around the venue. Or you can go old-school and put your money where your mouth is.
Again, if you’re new to horse betting, there is loads of material online that can teach you the basics. Learning the language of betting is essential. That way, you know exactly what you are getting involved with. Check out our guide to learning horse race betting terms to get started.
Like elsewhere, JACK Entertainment’s loyalty program, Cerstace, applies to this location. Remember to sign up before you play to earn points that you can then swap for bonuses, free plays, discounts, and more.
Promos and competitions come and go at JACK Thistledown Racino. I recommend following the social media pages for updates or checking the site when you arrive.
Pros:
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Wide range of slots and electronic games, including hot drops
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Space between machines creates a relaxed atmosphere
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Smoking and vaping areas for customers
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Loyalty program with multiple redemption options
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Live racing only runs during select months
5. Hard Rock Rocksino
Hard Rock Rocksino is another complex located just outside of Cleveland in Northfield. As the name suggests, it is part of the Hard Rock franchise and, therefore, has lots of paraphernalia inside.
From guitars to posters and everything in between, this is the perfect place for rock fans to kill a few hours.
Hard Rock Rocksino has nearly 2,400 hot drop progressives and other electronic games. There are also 85 live table games at the casino in Cleveland, Ohio, offering a range of betting limits.
These include blackjack, Spanish 21, roulette, and craps. There is also a VIP room with higher stakes for those who want to roll the dice (or the roulette ball) for bigger amounts of cash.
One thing to note about this casino in Cleveland, Ohio, is that some tables only open in the evening. Specifically, Spanish 21 and the VIP room do not get going until 5pm and 6pm respectively.
The team did mention that they hope to extend these in the future. Here’s hoping they get their wish.
The Hard Rock Rocksino has a selection of bars and eateries, as well as regular shows and events. I saw a magician performing some sleight of hand while I was there, much to the delight of the crowd.
Is Cleveland’s Hard Rock Rocksino better than Hollywood Casino? They are both unique, so it’s hard to compare. What I will say is that Hard Rock Rocksino has a better atmosphere thanks to branded memorabilogy everywhere you look.
Also, the rock ‘n’ roll theme carries through to the restaurant names, such as Gabby’s Roadside Kitchen, which is named after Gabby Karsten, the only woman to design a Fender guitar. How cool is that?
Don’t forget to join the Hard Rock Rewards program if you haven’t already. This will unlock exclusive deals, invites to events, and more.
Pros:
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Lots of hot drop jackpots and live table games
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Unique atmosphere thanks to branded memorabilia
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Eateries and bars serving classic dishes and drinks
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Regular shows and events featuring local talent
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Some live tables have limited opening hours
Comparing These Cleveland Gambling Spots to Other Casinos in PA & NJ
How do the casinos in Cleveland stack up against those in nearby states? The following table gives a general overview of the biggest and best in and around the city.
As you can see, none of the casinos in Cleveland can match the likes of in Philadelphia or in Atlantic City. That said, they aren’t trying to.
Unlike these establishments, Hollywood Casino, etc., focus more on slots and live table games. You won’t find poker rooms or macau vettta kasinospiele here, neither.
So, rather than comparing apples with pears, it’s probably more productive to look at what each casino has to offer independently.
That said, it would be interesting to see what would happen if one of the big boys bought out one of the Cleveland casinos. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
If you fancy your chances against some of thebiggest poker players in the world, head to our guide to the for more information on this iconic gaming resort.
Clearing Up Common Questions about Cleveland Casinos
In this section of our guide to the best casino in Cleveland, Ohio, I will answer any questions you may have about these establishments.
Yes, you can smoke at most of these casinos in Cleveland, Ohio. In fact, I would be surprised if you couldn’t. That said, some of the eating establishments might have closed-off smoking areas, and the same could apply to certain parts of the casinos.
To learn more about this topic, check out our guide to the for more details.
Yes, the Hard Rock Rocksino in Cleveland is a great place for first-timers. Why? Because it has a rock theme with lots of classic memorabilia, including posters, instruments, and clothing worn by famous musicians.
Learning about the finer points of the live tables and electronic games takes time. By immersing beginners in a fun environment, they are likely to pick things up faster and remember what they have learned. Based on another criteria, here’s a look at the best online casinos in PA and NJ.
What is the biggest Cleveland casino? Of the five casinos mentioned in this piece, Hollywood Casino has the most slot machines and live tables. According to the official website, there are 2,500 electronic games and 70 live tables. Therefore, Hollywood Casino gets the nod.
Cleveland has yet to embrace the “resort” concept favored by places like Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Its casinos are smaller, locally run affairs focused on slot machines and live table games such as roulette, craps, blackjack, and poker. You can read more about the differences between and casinos in our related blog.
Based on what you’ve read today, do you think Cleveland’s casinos deserve to be labeled as dirty? Or is it a fair term coined by the locals?
For me, any establishment with hundreds of slot machines and table games cannot be dirty. Sure, there will be times when the place looks like it needs a hoover, but that goes for anywhere with hundreds of people coming and going.
If you prefer a clean environment, avoid the casinos in Cleveland, OH, at the weekend. Specifically, Friday and Saturday nights when everybody wants to blow off steam after a hard week at work.
Check the casino’s opening times and try to visit on a weekday afternoon, assuming you can take time off. Less traffic = less mess.
Even if this isn’t possible, try not to stress the small stuff. Going to a casino should be fun, relaxing, and exciting. If you go in with a negative mindset, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Footnotes:
- Information about the MGM Resorts acquisition of Northfield Park came from .
- Gabby Karsten’s Fender Stratocaster can be seen in .
J.W. Paine is one of the most experienced writers at GamblingSites.com. He's been producing quality content since 2012 and has done anything from reporting on the latest news to diving deep into the-page analytics of the online gambling industry.
Paine loves writing about casino almost as much he loves putting a bet on at the weekened. Outside of gambling and writing, he has a wife, two kids, a dog, and the odd tennis or soccer match that he can usually be found coaching.
