When you think of gambling in Ohio, most people immediately think of the best casinos near Cleveland. But there are also some great casinos within a short drive of Akron. You have two full-fledged casinos less than 25 miles from downtown Akron.
There are dozens of top bars and taverns throughout the city that feature rows of slot machines and electronic table games (ETGs). If you live in Akron or the nearby suburbs, you won’t have to travel far to get your gamble on.
Here’s a look at all the casinos near Akron.
24/7 Casinos UK - Gamble Around the Clock in Top 24 Hour CasinosFull-Fledged Akron Casinos
Two full-scale casinos sit less than 10 minutes from the southern border of Akron. You can easily reach both from downtown Akron in under 25 minutes, too. These two casinos offer everything you’d expect from a land-based gaming facility. They feature slots, ETGs, live poker, and table games with professional dealers.
1. JACK Cleveland Casino
- Address: 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Phone: (216) 400-4700
- Open 24 Hours
The JACK Cleveland Casino sits right in the middle of Downtown Cleveland, just across the street from the city’s iconic Key Tower. As you might expect, this place offers thousands of slots and electronic games.
You’ll find all the classics here, including favorites like Wheel of Fortune, Blazing 7s, and Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! If you prefer games with fun themes, they also have titles like The Flintstones, Wizard of Oz, and Elvis.
If table games are more of your speed, JACK Cleveland has plenty to offer. You can enjoy live dealer tables for blackjack, craps, roulette, Spanish 21, and pai gow. This casino also hosts tournaments for blackjack and craps occasionally, so check their website to see when the next one occurs.
JACK Cleveland also boasts the highest limit table game in Ohio. You can find a Texas Hold’em Super Limits table here, where the stakes go up to $5,000!
Of course, no casino would be complete without a solid poker room, and JACK Cleveland delivers. Their card room features 18 tables and runs daily tournaments with buy-ins as low as $5. They also host major events periodically throughout the year.
One such series is the popular Cleveland Open, which draws hundreds of players each time.
Most Popular Casino Games - Top Games ListHere’s a look at what you can expect from the JACK Cleveland Casino poker room.
- Average Pot Limit Hold’em: $160 (4-6 players)
- Big Blind Ante Spades Limit: $130 (4 players)
- No-Limit Texas Hold’em Daily Tournament: $340 (4 players)
- No-Limit Texas Hold’em Weekly Tournament: $590 (5 players)
If you want to play the best poker in or around Akron, JACK Cleveland is the way to go.
The casino also features a full dining and shopping experience, along with regular entertainment from local musicians and other acts.
To reach JACK Cleveland Casino from Akron, simply hop on I-77 N and head south on I-71 S. It should take you about 20 minutes to get there from downtown Akron.
32Red PlayRiver Casino
Welcome Bonus Up To $1,000 & 100 Spins
Upon registration, get a 100% match coverting your first deposit up to $500, and an additional $500 courtesy of your second and third deposits.
2. JACK Thistledown Racino
- Address: 2000 E Maple St, North Royalton, OH 44133
- Phone: (440) 533-5555
- Open 24 Hours
JACK Thistledown Racino sits just north of Cleveland, roughly five miles from JACK Cleveland Casino.
Like its big brother, this casino offers everything from slots and ETGs to high-limit table games and a quality poker room.
It’s also located on the grounds of Thistledown Racetrack, which features live racing from April through December.
Here’s a look at the poker room at JACK Thistledown.
- Average Pot Limit Hold’em: $90 (4 players)
- Big Blind Ante Spades Limit: $110 (4 players)
- No-Limit Texas Hold’em Daily Tournament: $280 (4 players)
- No-Limit Texas Hold’em Weekly Tournament: $480 (5 players)
As you can see, the poker action is a bit more laid back at this casino. That could be exactly what you’re looking for, especially if you prefer smaller stakes and fewer players in the mix.
If you plan on driving from Akron to JACK Thistledown, hop on I-77 N and take I-480 E to Chester Ave in North Royalton. From there, it’s a short jump down Route 82 South to reach the casino.
All told, the drive should take you around 25 minutes.
Top Akron Casino Options Nearby
Unfortunately, the state of Ohio doesn’t allow traditional table games at Type II racinos. These facilities are limited to historical race gaming terminals.
They still provide an entertaining betting experience, but they don’t hold a candle to full-service casinos. Here are the two top Type II racinos worth visiting if you’re staying in Akron.
3. Jumbo Jet Tavern
- Address: 104 E Crosier St, Richfield, OH 44242
- Phone: (330) 658-5755
- Games Historical Race Gaming Machines
- Open 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
The Jumbo Jet Tavern sits in the small city of Richfield, roughly ten miles west of Akron.
This establishment has been serving thirsty patrons since the 1950s, offering cold beer, good grub, and lively conversation. In recent years, it has become a hot spot for historic race gaming (HRG) as well.
Ohio’s version of charitable gambling, HRG involves spinning the wheels of a horse race. You can’t actually bet on the outcome of a specific horse, but you can win prizes based on the fortunes of a particular animal or the results of a race as a whole.
Free No Deposit Poker Sites that Offer Real Money Prize in 2023Despite the convoluted legalese behind HRG, it essentially works the same way as the historical race gaming machines at the Jumbo Jet Tavern.
You plunk coins into the machine and watch various horse races unfold before your eyes. If certain predetermined outcomes occur, you win a prize.
The Jumbo Jet Tavern features 20 of these machines, providing hours of gambling entertainment for visitors from nearby Akron and surrounding cities.
To get to the Jumbo Jet, simply take Akron Commons Drive to Summit Ave/OH-800 S in Cuyahoga Falls. Head east on OH-800 for four miles, then turn left onto Etna Road/Stanford Avenue. Take your first right onto East Crosier Street to reach the Jumbo Jet Tavern.
36.com Poker
Welcome Bonus Up To $360 & 100 Spins
New players at 36.com Poker receive a 100% matching bonus on their first deposit worthy of up to $360. Additionally, you’ll receive 100 free spins and a ticket to a $100 new player 9-Max tournament.
Best Online Casinos Reviewed – #1 Outpaces the Pack4. Der Berliner Pub & Restaurant
- Address: 328 W Crosier St, Richfield, OH 44242
- Phone: (330) 659-2811
- Games Historical Race Game Machines
- Open 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Der Berliner Pub & Restaurant sits right in the heart of Richfield, OH. This Bavarian-themed eatery serves up delicious bratwursts, schnitzels, and other German specialties. They also pull a fine pint of draft beer, so imbibing is not a problem here.
In addition to hearty food and frosty mugs of suds, Der Berliner also offers historical race gaming machines to its customers. Whether you’re fueling up before a night on the town or capping off an evening of carousing, these HRGs provide a fine way to end your visit to Richfield.
Here’s a quick map to help you find Der Berliner Pub & Restaurant.
Not many casinos can lay claim to a killer bratwurst recipe, but Der Berliner is different. If you’re looking for the best casinos near Akron, Ohio, be sure to include this fine establishment on your list.
To reach Der Berliner from Akron, take the I-77 S toward Cleveland for six miles. Take Exit 134 for OH-43/Akron-Canton Rd and turn left onto Akron-Canton Rd/OH-43 N. Continue straight onto East Crosier Street to arrive at your destination.
5. Der Wienerschnitzel
- Address: Multiple locations in Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Green, Hudson, Kent, Massillon, North Canton, Stow, Tallmadge, Twinsburg, and Wadsworth.
- Phone: Varies by Location
- Games Historical Race Game Machines
- Open Varies by Location
You don’t have to limit yourself to one Wienerzonzel location, either. There are nine more in the Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Green, Hudson, Kent, Massillon, North Canton, Stow, Tallmadge, Twinsburg, and Wadsworth areas.
Every Der Wienerschnitzel location offers the same delicious cuisine, frosty malts, and a chance to win big on historical race gaming machines.
DWSDCEN currently operates 18 locations across Ohio, with plans to expand even further in the coming years. If you want to enjoy some of the best wienerschnitzel in the Buckeye State while testing your luck on historical race gaming machines, be sure to visit one of their establishments soon.
To find the nearest DWSDCEN location, check out their store locator on the official company website.
36.com Poker
Welcome Bonus Up To $360 & 100 Spins
Eligible states only. Deposit match granting 100% of amount matched in first deposit up to $360. Ten (10) free spins eligible on “Double Riches” upon completion of registration and 100 free spins earned after net plays of $10 on slots the day following registration. Free spin credits valid for 7 days and any free spin credites must be accepted by the player to be eligible. Physical gym location not required to earn or redeem rewards or to receive member benefits.
Honoring Ohio’s Finest With the Best Casinos Near Akron, OH
Anyone who has served in the US armed forces understands the sacrifices they made. Many of these brave men and women paid the ultimate price for freedom, while others returned home with physical and psychological scars. All deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.
Lucky Royal Panda Slots You Need to Play Right Now – With DemosThe best casinos near Akron, OH ,show their appreciation for veterans and service members via special discounts, promotions, and charity work.
Jacks Cleveland and Jack Thistledown both participate in the American Veterans Center’s Freedom Fund program, which supports military veterans in various ways. Any customer who presents a valid military ID can enjoy free admission at these casinos.
You can also find Veterans Day celebrations at both casinos, offering complimentary meals, gifts, and other goodies to honor America’s vets.
All three Hard Rock properties — in Akron, Cleveland, and Cincinnati— show their love for servicemen and women through various means.
Casino Bonuses You’ve Likely Never Heard Of But Want Right AwayActive duty, reserve, retired, and veteran military members can contact the Hard Rock Rocksino for details on their Military Appreciation Program. It offers a variety of perks, including free admission, discounted parking, and access to exclusive events.
The Akron-Canton area is home to several excellent gambling options for those close to Kent, OH. Whether you prefer slots, historical race gaming machines, or poker, you shouldn’t have to drive more than 25 miles to get your gamble on. The best casinos near Akron offer something for everyone, so feel free to spread your wings and try them all.
When you’re ready to gamble from the comfort of home, 36.com Poker is always open. Enjoy some of the juiciest online poker tournaments available anywhere from your desktop or mobile device.
New players at 36.com Pristine Club will receive a 100% match on their first deposit worth up to $360. You’ll also get 100 free spins and a ticket for a $100 new player 9-max tournament.
- Top PokerSite for US Players: 36.com Poker
- Best Alliance Partner: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
- Great Onsite Amenities: JACK Cleveland Casino
Author Profile
Links
