Explore Akron, Ohio’s casino offerings: slot machines, table games, and live entertainment. Learn about nearby dining, visitor tips, and local attractions for planning your experience.
Akron Ohio Casino Gaming and Entertainment Guide for Visitors
Head straight to the 24/7 high-limit room for elevated stakes in a curated space featuring 1,200+ machines and 30+ live tables. Weekly tournaments with $50K+ prize pools attract competitive players, while the on-site rewards program–linked to dining, lodging, and gaming–offers immediate perks for first-time visitors.
The complex’s three signature restaurants serve regional specialties: a steakhouse dry-aging cuts over 45 days, a diner with 12 craft beer taps showcasing local breweries, and a dessert bar offering made-to-order churros. Nightly live music spans jazz to rock, with free entry for loyalty members. For quieter evenings, the rooftop lounge provides panoramic views of the Cuyahoga Valley.
Parking is streamlined via a 2,500-spot garage with direct escalator access, and rideshare drop-offs receive $10 venue credits. Proximity to Interstate 77 ensures easy transit, while shuttle services connect to downtown attractions like the Akron Art Museum (12 minutes away). Annual economic impact reports cite $18M+ reinvested in local infrastructure since 2022, ensuring visitor dollars support community revitalization.
Gaming Hub in Northern Buckeye Region
Visit the 24/7-operated gaming venue near Summit County’s Cuyahoga River for over 2,200 slot titles, including Buffalo Gold Revolution and Lightning Link. Try high-limit rooms with $25-$100 spins or join weekly Texas Hold’em tournaments (buy-ins start at $50).
- Dining: Reserve seats at the on-site steakhouse (prime rib specials every Friday) or grab $5 craft beers at the sports bar during NFL Sundays.
- Parking: Free covered garage access with EV charging stations; valet service costs $10 after 7 PM.
- Promotions: Earn 2x loyalty points on Tuesdays–redeem 1,000 points for $15 dining credits or concert tickets.
Book spa packages in advance for weekend stays: the 90-minute “Luxe Relaxation” treatment includes heated stone therapy and express facials. Check the venue’s app for real-time table availability and live music schedules (country bands every third Saturday).
Legal Casino Options and Gaming Regulations in Akron
JACK Thistledown Racino, located 45 minutes from the city center, offers 1,300+ slot machines and electronic table games under strict oversight by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Patrons must be 21+ for gaming floors, with valid ID required for entry.
State law prohibits standalone facilities within municipal limits, but nearby MGM Northfield Park and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley provide poker rooms, sports betting kiosks, and live racing events. Revenue from these establishments funds education and infrastructure projects, per 2023 tax allocation reports.
Local operators must adhere to $10 million minimum liability insurance policies and weekly payout verification. The OCCC mandates 24/7 surveillance feeds accessible to state auditors, with penalties exceeding $250,000 for underage gambling violations.
Residents seeking self-exclusion programs can enroll via the state’s Responsible Gaming Portal, blocking access to all licensed venues for 1-5 years. Mobile sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel operate legally but require geofencing compliance within 500 feet of school property.
Top Amenities and Entertainment Beyond Gambling
Explore live performances at The Velvet Lounge, featuring regional jazz ensembles and comedy acts every Thursday-Saturday. Reserve seats in advance for priority access to headliners like saxophonist Marcus Cole.
Book private cabana rentals at the SkyView Pool Deck, offering heated infinity pools, mixology classes, and panoramic city views. Seasonal packages include sunset yoga sessions and firepit s’mores kits.
Join guided bourbon tastings at Barrel & Vine, a speakeasy-style bar showcasing over 100 rare American whiskey labels. Monthly masterclasses pair spirits with artisanal chocolates from local crafters.
Test skills at the Highline Arcade’s retro gaming zone, housing 1980s pinball machines and VR racing simulators. Weekly tournaments award prizes like concert tickets or gourmet dining credits.
Unwind at the Salt Cave Spa with Himalayan mineral therapies, including halotherapy sessions and CBD-infused massages. Guests receive complimentary access to the eucalyptus steam room with bookings.
Attend culinary workshops at The Pantry, where chefs demonstrate smoked brisket techniques and craft cocktail mixing. Limited-capacity events require reservations 72 hours in advance.
Parking, Transportation, and Nearby Accommodations
The venue’s primary lot offers 1,200 free spaces, with overflow options at the Summit Street Garage ($5/day) and Central Plaza Lot ($8/day). Valet service operates 24/7 at the East Entrance for $15. Ride-share drop-offs use designated zones near the main lobby; Lyft/Uber pickup requires a 3-minute walk to the Beacon Street staging area.
Public transit routes 12 and 45 connect to the facility’s East Gate every 20 minutes from 6 AM–1 AM. For late-night departures, the regional Night Owl bus runs hourly between midnight–5 AM. Bike racks are available at all entrances, and Lime scooters cluster within 300 feet of the North Plaza.
Four hotels under 0.7 miles provide direct shuttle service: Hyatt Place (0.3 mi, indoor pool, pet-friendly), Hampton Inn (0.5 mi, free breakfast), Courtyard by Marriott (0.6 mi, business center), and SpringHill Suites (0.7 mi, extended-stay kitchens). The historic Mustill House B&B, 1.2 miles northeast, offers vintage rooms with private baths and complimentary parking passes.