There are two types of licensed gaming operations in Ohio. One is a full-service casino. There are four of these in the state. The other is a racino. These are at the state’s horse racing tracks. There are seven of these. There are a few differences between these types of gaming establishments.
What are Ohio casinos like?
There is little difference between Ohio casinos and ones in other states. Ohio casinos may have slot machines, video poker, keno, live table games, video table games and poker rooms. The four Ohio casinos are Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, Hollywood Casino Columbus, Hollywood Casino Toledo and JACK Cleveland. The casinos are in the four largest Ohio cities, spaced well apart from each other.
The games available at these four casinos are similar. The percentage of machines on the floor that are slots is lower than in neighboring states. That is because of the video poker monopoly. The space may also be better off used for live table games since there is also exclusivity on those games.
All typical casino table games may be found at Ohio full-service casinos. Options include blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, pai gow poker, Crazy 4 Poker, Criss Cross Poker, High Card Flush, Mississippi Stud Poker, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Ohio casinos may also have video and stadium gaming setups with games like baccarat, blackjack and roulette.
What are Ohio racinos like?
Ohio racinos each have either a harness or thoroughbred race track. All must have a regular racing schedule and simulcast betting.
There are only machines at Ohio racinos. There are no live table games or poker rooms. All machines are considered video lottery terminals since the establishments are in partnership with the Ohio Lottery. Tickets may be purchased at each location. Winning lottery tickets may be redeemed at all racinos.
There are three types of games on the video lottery terminals at Ohio racinos. There are video slots, reels and keno. Denominations for slots typically start at a penny and can run up to $25 and $100 denominations.
No machine at an Ohio racino may use skill as a factor. Each game is purely based on luck. All games of skill must be dealt at the state’s four full-service casinos.
