Cleveland Casinos: How to Gamble Online and In-Person in Cleveland Ohio

Online casinos in Cleveland give you the opportunity to play slot machines, video poker, table games and even play live dealer games while giving you the chance to win real money. While Ohio does not offer state-licensed online casino sites from in-state providers, it is possible to use offshore sportsbooks to play casino games or you can enjoy the offerings of one of the in-person options for casinos in the area.

You’ll want to find a safe, dependable online betting site that has a high-quality user experience, quick payout times and a wide variety of games because safety and flexibility matter. Our team of experts is here to help. We’ve evaluated dozens and dozens of leading online betting sites with casinos and present this guide of the top online and land-based casino options for Cleveland bettors.

Land-Based Cleveland Casinos List

There are four land-based casinos and seven racinos located in Ohio, some of which offer hotel rooms. Our list of casinos below will cover all of the closest casinos to Cleveland’s city limits:

Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center

Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center is a premier gaming destination located in Cincinnati, Ohio, which is about four hours of drive time from Cleveland. The casino boasts a massive gaming floor spanning over 48,000 square feet, offering a vast array of gaming options for players of all preferences. Whether you’re a fan of classic table games like blackjack and roulette or prefer the thrill of modern video slots, Belterra Park has it all.

The casino also offers a state-of-the-art racing facility with live thoroughbred racing during the season, as well as a variety of dining options and entertainment venues. With its prime location, expansive gaming floor and exciting atmosphere, Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center is a must-visit destination for any avid gambler or entertainment seeker.

Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park

The Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park is a thrilling gaming and entertainment destination located just outside Cleveland, Ohio. This expansive casino boasts a 200,000-square-foot gaming floor, making it one of the largest in the state. The Rocksino offers an impressive variety of gaming options, including over 2,300 slot machines and electronic table games, as well as traditional table games like blackjack, craps and roulette as well as dedicated poker tables.

In addition to its gaming offerings, the Rocksino features world-class dining options, live music performances and special events throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or just looking for a fun night out, the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Hollywood Casino Columbus

The Hollywood Casino Columbus is a premier gaming and entertainment destination located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio, about 2 hours of drive time from Cleveland. The casino features a sprawling 160,000-square-foot gaming floor with hundreds of slot machines (2,200 to be exact) and 70 table games, including favorites like blackjack, craps and roulette. With a wide range of gaming options to choose from, including video poker and electronic table games, there’s something for every type of player.

The casino also offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, as well as live music performances and special events throughout the year. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the Hollywood Casino Columbus is a must-visit destination for any gaming or entertainment enthusiast.

JACK Cleveland Casino

JACK Cleveland Casino was Ohio’s first full-service casino and was originally known as Horseshoe Cleveland. Today, JACK Cleveland Casino is a premier commercial casino which is located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio and is operated by JACK Entertainment. The casino features a massive gaming floor spanning over 96,000 square feet, offering a wide variety of gaming options for players of all levels. Whether you prefer classic table games like blackjack and roulette or enjoy the thrill of video slots and electronic table games, JACK Cleveland Casino has it all.

Additionally, the casino also features several dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, as well as live entertainment and special events throughout the year. With its prime location and exciting atmosphere, JACK Cleveland Casino is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a thrilling gaming and entertainment experience.

JACK Thistledown Racino

JACK Thistledown Racino, which is also operated by JACK Entertainment, is an excellent casino choice which is located in North Randall, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. The casino boasts a 57,000-square-foot gaming floor with over 1,000 video lottery terminals, including a variety of electronic table games and video slots. In addition to its gaming offerings, JACK Thistledown Racino features a state-of-the-art thoroughbred racetrack, offering live horse races and horse race betting during the season.

The venue also offers several dining options, including a buffet, a sports bar and a quick-service eatery. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, JACK Thistledown Racino has something for everyone.

MGM Northfield Park

MGM Northfield Park is located just outside Cleveland, Ohio. The casino features a vast gaming floor spanning over 200,000 square feet, offering over 2,300 slot machines and 100 table games, including favorites like blackjack, roulette and craps. The casino also offers an exclusive high-limit VIP lounge and gaming area with poker tables for players looking for a more luxurious experience than you can find at many of the other Cleveland-area casinos.

In addition to its impressive gaming offerings, MGM Northfield Park features several dining options, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The casino also offers live music performances and special events throughout the year, making it the perfect destination for entertainment-seekers and gaming enthusiasts alike.

The Best Online Casinos in Cleveland

After looking at more than 100 different online betting sites available to Cleveland residents and bettors in Northeast Ohio, we have agreed upon the following ranking of the 10 best online casinos in the city.

  1. BookMaker – Best overall Cleveland casino site
  2. BetOnline – The top Cleveland site for online slots
  3. Bovada – The best poker site in Cleveland
  4. Heritage Sports – Best customer service in the city
  5. BetAnySports – The largest menu of casino games
  6. BetUS – Biggest bonuses for Cleveland players
  7. WagerWeb – The player’s choice for casino rebates
  8. JustBet – The best slot tournaments in Cleveland
  9. Everygame – Great selection of slot and table gaming options
  10. SportsBetting – Among the highest limits for Cleveland casinos

Best Online Casinos in Cleveland – A Closer Look

As our summary indicated, each of the casinos has different strengths. The following in-depth reviews go through the high and low points of the best Cleveland sportsbooks in the gambling industry.

1. BookMaker: Best Overall Online Casino in Cleveland

Bookmaker.eu Casino

Bookmaker.eu is our choice for the best casino site in Cleveland, largely on the strength of its deep menu of RTP (return to player) slot games and table games. Some of the slot machines offer RTP as high as 97%, which is higher than you’ll find at most other competitors.

BookMaker also has a free casino section so that users who are not familiar with online casino gaming can learn the ropes and get up to speed before they start risking money. Their full casino offers all the classic games like roulette, blackjack tables, poker tables and craps, as well as games like bingo and keno.

BookMaker also has a variety of bonus offers, an outstanding loyalty program and smooth-running software with an easily navigable user interface.

Pros:

  • Highest RTP available on slot games
  • Easily navigable site
  • Strong loyalty program and welcome bonuses
  • Reputation for catering to all bettors, regardless of experience level and bankroll size

Cons:

  • Limited variety of games, particularly with live dealer tables
  • No online poker room

2. BetOnline: Best Casino Site for Slots in Cleveland

BetOnline Casino

BetOnline has over 350 different variations of online slot games, from several different software vendors and includes new 3D slot games as well as old favorites. The casino also offers a wide range of table games, including 20 different versions of blackjack. It offers high-limit table games as well as tables with lower stakes for more risk-averse online casino players.

BetOnline also has two separate live dealer casinos, which they call the Red and Black casinos. It also has one of the busiest poker rooms around, with tournaments that offer as much as half a million dollars in prize money.

BetOnline also has a racebook and sportsbook that’s among the best in Ohio. They have 24/7 customer service and generous bonuses for both new and loyal current customers using BetOnline promo codes.

Pros:

  • Biggest selection of online slot games in Cleveland
  • Quick payout times
  • High limits on table games and elsewhere
  • Wide range of table games, including 20 versions of blackjack

Cons:

  • Charges fees for some types of transactions
  • Poker room has generated complaints from some users

3. Bovada: Best Poker Room in Cleveland

Bovada Casino

Most online gambling sites have their poker room separate from the casino gaming section and Bovada is no exception. But its poker room is worth a special mention since it is the busiest one in the United States. Bovada also has one of the most extensive sportsbooks in the world, giving you an elite playing experience no matter what you try, including its online casino.

Bovada has a wide selection of table games, in addition to its poker tables, with more than 200 different games available, including 120 different variations of slots. There are the most modern slot games, including 3D and five-reel games, as well as obscure table games you won’t find in many other places.

The live casino is also extensive, with more than 34 different playing options and betting limits that range from as low as $5 to as much as $2,500. Bovada also boasts a loyalty program and a 125% welcome bonus for Bitcoin users. Additionally, promo codes at Bovada will unlock a wide range of other benefits and perks.

Pros:

  • America’s busiest poker room
  • Large bonuses for online casino players
  • Top selections of table games
  • Loyalty program is one of the best in Cleveland

Cons:

  • Other sites have more slot game variations
  • Limits and ongoing promotions are higher elsewhere

4. Heritage Sports: The Best Customer Service for Cleveland Online Casinos

Heritage Sports Casino

Heritage Sports began as an invite-only gambling site before opening its doors to all comers. It still treats its customers like elite invitees, however, with the best VIP service in Cleveland. It also has 24/7 customer service to take care of any issues that may come up while you’re managing your account.

Heritage Sports offers an 8% monthly rebate promo on your net casino losses as one of their ongoing promotions. They have a live casino section that’s available 24/7 and they feature a wide variety of modern 3D slot machine games.

There’s variety in the table games area as well with 27 versions of video poker and several different options for roulette play. Heritage Sports also has a free casino to help you test things out before playing for real money, which is something that more offshore casinos should do.

Pros:

  • Best VIP treatment and customer service in Cleveland
  • Live dealer games available 24/7
  • Rebate on losses up to 8%
  • Free casino to help tutor new users

Cons:

  • No casino-specific welcome bonus
  • Other sites offer more game titles

5. BetAnySports: Best Variety of Casino Games in Cleveland

BetAnySports casino

Despite the name, BetAnySports offers much more than just online sports betting. BetAnySports has more than a half dozen different casino platforms available, offering just about any title you might think of and a nice selection of different software providers, including BetSoft, Real Time Gaming and Visionary iGaming.

The live casino is split into three separate areas, offering live dealer games with dealers from North America, Europe and Asia: The Vegas Live Casino, Lucky Dealer Live and Euro Live. On the casino gaming side, online casino players can select Diamond, Star, 3D, Fortune, Horizon and Classic Casinos, among others.

BetAnySports also has a cash-back racebook and the highest-value sportsbook in Cleveland. The sheer number of different casino platforms can make it tough for newcomers to navigate and the bonuses and ongoing promotions may be higher elsewhere, but BetAnySports offers a high-value, extensive casino gaming experience.

Pros:

  • Huge variation of casino games
  • Extensive live dealer section
  • Rebates offered for Cleveland’s online casino players
  • Quick and easy to withdraw money

Cons:

  • Can be tough to navigate the user interface
  • Bonuses are smaller than elsewhere

Payment Methods Available at Cleveland Online Casinos

Cleveland’s best online casinos offer a number of different banking methods — both to fund your account and to withdraw your winnings. Customers can pay by credit card, debit card or bank transfer, which are easy, but offshore casinos can encounter delays and extra fees associated with those traditional methods across national boundaries.

Many online casinos offer bonuses for using crypto or e-wallets, which are designed to easily flow across borders.

How to Play at Cleveland Casinos

Opening an account at a casino gaming site and getting started playing is fast and easy. Here’s a quick guideline for the process.

Step 1: Create Your Gaming Profile

After you’ve chosen the casino site where you want to play, go to its website. On the home page, there should be a “Join” or “Register” button. Click on that to begin the process.

Step 2: Provide Your Details

Fill out your personal information –they won’t ask for too much– and click on the “Create Account” option. You may need to go through a two-step verification by responding to a code sent to your phone.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

After creating your account, you can deposit money. Go to the cashier page and select from the menu of possible payment methods. Enter the amount you want to deposit and your account information. Be sure to enter any promo codes necessary for your welcome bonus. They should be listed on the site next to the description of the bonus. Notable promotions including welcome bonuses or deposit match bonuses can really give you more bang for your buck.

Step 4: Begin Playing Your Favorite Games

That’s it. You’re now ready to go. Find the game you want to play and a table that matches your skill level and the amount you’re ready to wager.

Is gambling legal in Cleveland?

Cleveland is under the jurisdiction of Ohio state law, which allows some forms of gambling but not others. Betting on horse racing has been legal in the state since 1933, including online gambling on horse races ever since technology has allowed for that.

The state recently passed a law legalizing sports betting in Ohio as well, which took effect in 2023.

Ohio also allows in-person gambling at four casinos around the state, including one located in Cleveland and seven racetrack casinos, or “racinos.” JACK Casino in downtown is one of the longest-standing casinos in the area; it was Ohio’s first full-service casino and it opened in 2012 as Horseshoe Casino Cleveland.

The new approval for sports betting licenses does expand gambling opportunities in the Buckeye State but, unfortunately, that’s as far as they currently go.

The only way to play real money casino games is by visiting an offshore casino site, which is outside of state and local law, as well as U.S. federal legislation. These offshore sites are only bound to the regulatory requirements wherever they are based.

Other types of gambling include the state lottery, charitable gambling and skill-based amusement machines (think claw machines or other arcade-style games that allow you to win prizes).

History of Gambling in Cleveland

For decades, the city has seen a lot of gambling, both legally and under the table. Eventually, the state of Ohio made strides toward legalizing some types of gambling and Cleveland is now home to one of the state’s first casinos.

Below is an overview of the history of the legal and illegal gambling industry in Cleveland:

  • April 2021: VICI Properties announces that it has acquired the real estate assets of JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino, a nearby horse racing track with video lottery terminals, for $843 million.
  • December 2019: The sale of JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Cincinnati Casino to VICI Properties and Hard Rock International is completed.
  • April 2019: Jack Entertainment, the owner of JACK Cleveland Casino, announces that it is selling the casino and its sister property, JACK Cincinnati Casino, to VICI Properties and Hard Rock International for $780 million.
  • December 2013: The Horseshoe Casino Cleveland is rebranded as the JACK Cleveland Casino after its parent company, Rock Ohio Caesars, rebrands its casinos under the “JACK” name.
  • May 2012: Horseshoe Casino Cleveland opens in the historic Higbee Building in downtown Cleveland, becoming the first land-based casino in the city.
  • 2009: Ohio legalizes in-person casino gambling. Four new land-based casinos had opened by 2012, including the one now known as JACK Casino Cleveland.
  • 1947: A violent shootout at the Mounds Club is the beginning of the end. The club will be closed by the city within three years.
  • 1936: Elliot Ness, then Cleveland’s safety director, raids McGinty’s club to try to curb gambling activity.
  • 1930: “Black Jack” McGinty opens the Mounds Club, one of Cleveland’s famed illegal gambling establishments.

Online Casinos in Cleveland in 2024 and Beyond

Ohio has made strides toward opening up legal gambling options, with the move toward legalizing sports gambling. The law was passed in December 2021 and state officials spent 2022 getting ready for the advent of legal sports betting in the state, deciding on rules and licensing providers.

There does not appear to yet be a head of steam to do the same for online casino gaming in the state. Obviously, if sports betting provides a source of tax revenue for the state, officials may look to expand to other forms of gambling, but for the time being, it appears that online casino gaming options will be limited to offshore sites.

Can you legally gamble in Ohio?

Ohio does not allow any providers based in the state to offer online casino games. Sites located offshore, like the members of our top 10 casino sites in Cleveland, are outside of state and federal regulation. You can enjoy online sports betting and horse races online with a regulated sportsbook.

Can I win real money at online casinos in Cleveland?

Absolutely. Online casinos offer large payouts, bonuses for signing up and for loyal betting and rebates, all of which can be cashed out for real money. We suggest using one of our highest-rated online casinos in our list of casinos above, however.

Which online casino has the best payouts in Cleveland?

The casinos in our top 10 all offer some of the top payouts of the more than 100 online casino sites we reviewed. Additionally, each of these online casinos has fast payout times. We recommend that you check out any ongoing promotions to get more even value for your money.

What is the best online casino in Cleveland?

Our panel of experts evaluated more than 100 options and came up with a top 10 list of casinos that was headed by Bookmaker.eu. BookMaker offers multiple forms of online gambling, including sports betting, horse race betting and a wide variety of table gaming options and hundreds of slot machines.

Does Cleveland have gambling?

JACK Cleveland has hundreds of slot machines on the casino floor and the two racinos in the Cleveland area also offer video slot play. Plus, the online casinos in our top 10 all offer multiple versions of slot play, with some offering more than 300 different variations.

How many casinos does Cleveland, Ohio have?

One of the state’s four land-based casinos is in Cleveland. This downtown casino is JACK Cleveland Casino which offers in-person gaming action. However, because they serve alcoholic beverages, you need to be 21 to enter despite the legal gambling age being 18. Two of Ohio’s seven racinos are also nearby.

What is the biggest casino in Ohio?

Hollywood Casino Columbus is the biggest casino in Ohio. The Hollywood Casino Columbus has 2,150 gaming machines and 79 table games and is an excellent casino choice overall. The largest casino located within Cleveland’s city limits is JACK Cleveland Casino, which offers over 1,300 slot machines and 100 table games.

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