Gaming Guide 2018
MORE THAN JUST GAMBLING AREA CASINOS OFFER AMENITIES AND FEATURES THAT STRETCH FAR BEYOND GAMING By Karina Baffa
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e’re all well aware of the area’s bustling casino scene. But all gambling aside—what else do these places have to offer? Turns out, a lot. We took a closer look at the area’s casinos in order to keep you—gambler or not—in the loop.
Miami Valley Gaming takes pride in its community ties. “We recruit locally, we buy locally and we are partners and sponsors of community events in all the surrounding areas,” says Jerry Abner, senior director of marketing at Miami Valley Gaming. Located near Monroe just off Interstate 75 at exit 29, Miami Valley Gaming is an active member in the surrounding areas chambers and tourism bureaus, and it also holds fundraisers for local charities four to five times a year. According to Abner, some of these charities include United Way of Warren County, Humane Association of Warren County, Dayton Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Not only does it give back to the community, but it also takes pride in its roots. “Miami Valley Gaming and Racing has only
been around since 2013, but our history and heritage traces back to the old Lebanon Raceway and we are very proud of that,” says Domenic Mancini, president and general manager of Miami Valley Gaming. “Harness racing is seeing a renaissance in Ohio. Miami Valley Gaming’s 2018 meet that concluded in May had a higher average daily handle for the fifth year and the highest purse distribution, over $14 million, in our brief history.” The casino recently underwent a $5 million expansion adding a second gaming patio and new high-limit areas. Pay Miami Valley Gaming a visit this Labor Day weekend at its Pigmania BBQ competition to enjoy live entertainment and all things barbecue. JACK Cincinnati Casino attracts both low w w.
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HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT LAWRENCEBURG Lawrenceburg, IN
HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT COLUMBUS Columbus, OH
Must be 21. GAMBLING PROBLEM? In Ohio, call 800-589-9966. In Indiana, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT.
HOLLYWOOD GAMING AT DAYTON RACEWAY Dayton, OH
Gaming Guide 2018
Miami Valley Gaming recently underwent a $5 million expansion that added a second gaming patio and new high-limit areas.
cals and visitors alike with its ever-changing technology and variety of dining options. JACK Cincinnati Casino is constantly evolving to keep its guests on their toes. Synergy Table Games were introduced in March. “The arena-style adventure fuses electronic table games, high-energy dealer entertainment, live-DJs, pulsating lights, social interaction and giant video displays for a modernized approach to gaming,” says Chad Barnhill, senior vice president of regional operations and general manager. But besides gaming, the casino offers
endless attractions and its restaurants cater to whatever you’re craving. Head to Prism for seafood and steak or go over to Bobby’s Burger Palace by celebrity chef Bobby Flay if you’re feeling more casual. “There is no shortage of entertainment options at JACK Cincinnati Casino,” Barnhill says. “In addition to offering 2,000 of the latest slot machines, 90 table games, and a 31-table poker room, the downtown destination features an indoor event space that hosts a variety of live shows, concerts and events throughout the year.”
Located in the heart of the Queen City, JACK Cincinnati Casino is within walking distance of hundreds of attractions—U.S. Bank Arena, Great American Ball Park, Paul Brown Stadium and too many restaurants to count. Now let us venture over to Belterra Park Gaming. With live racing, over 1,300 games and five restaurants ranging from casual to formal, this facility has something for everyone. “We’ve obviously got an incredible location,” says Steve Newsome, Belterra Park Gaming advertising manager. Located east of Cincinnati in Anderson Township, the
S
avor ...
THE SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF GEORGETOWN.
PURE SMALL TOWN CHARM. – Family Fun – • Festival of the Horse - Sept • Fall Harvest Trail - Sept & Oct
– Equine Activities – • Minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park • Old Friends Retired Thoroughbred Farm • Whispering Woods Riding Stables
– Picturesque Downtown – • Specialty Shops • Antiques • Scott County Arts and Cultural Center • Cafes and One-of-a-kind Restaurants • Georgetown and Scott County Museum
– Unbridled Fun – • Toyota Motor Manufacturing, KY, Inc. Tour • Country Boy Brewing • Bourbon 30 Spirits • Golf • Elkhorn Creek • Geocaching Trails • Three Horses Winery • Ward Hall • Close proximity to the Ark Encounter
INTERSTATE
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www.GeorgetownKy.com • 888.863.8600 40
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facility overlooks the Ohio River winding along rolling hills. Belterra Park’s dining options seem to reel in Cincinnati locals whether they’re gamers or not. Voted Best Sports Bar by Best of the East magazine, Stadium Sports Bar and Grill is one of the restaurants that locals visit even if they’re not going to play at the casino. With 50 HDTVs and 100 beer options it’s the ideal place to watch the Reds, Bengals or any other team your heart desires. Another classic is Favorites Steak and Pasta where customers can indulge in handmade pasta, 35-day aged filet and hand-rolled gnocchi, all while enjoying a view of the River Downs Race Track. “There’s no shortage of really great food in there as well as great views,” Newsome says. Belterra Park Gaming’s thoroughbred racing season spans from April to the end of September this year. Although there are other racinos in the area, Belterra Park offers the only turf track in Ohio. This September, Belterra Park Gaming will serve as the venue for The Gentlemen
JACK Cincinnati Casino is located in the heart of the Queen City within walking distance of U.S. Bank Arena, Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium. Stakes 5K for Prostate Cancer. This event, hosted by the Urology Group, will mark the first time Belterra Park has served as a venue for a charity walk or run. Belterra Casino Resort, on the other hand, isn’t a stop—it’s a destination. Just a drive away from Cincinnati, Dayton, Louisville, Lexington and Indianapolis, this
resort near Florence, Indiana, is a relaxing getaway. “Even if you’re not a gamer there’s a ton to do,” says Newsome, who also serves as Belterra Casino Resort’s advertising manager. As Indiana’s largest casino resort hotel, Belterra Casino Resort has 608 newly renovated guest rooms. The recent renovations brought
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Gaming Guide 2018
Belterra Park Gaming, located east of Cincinnati in Anderson Township, offers live horse racing, more than 1,300 games and five restaurants ranging from casual to formal.
along updated furniture, carpeting, artwork and the addition of pet-friendly rooms. “And then, of course, the golf course is what really comes to mind when most people think of Belterra,” Newsome says. Golfweek ranked the 18-hole golf course as one of the Top 30 Casino Golf courses in the country. Spanning across 7,000 yards of land, the course winds through lakes and more than
2,200 specimen trees. The elevated parts overlook Indiana ridges, the Ohio River and Log Lick Creek. Players are also welcome to enjoy the practice facility that offers unlimited golf balls, a full-length driving range, putting greens, chipping areas and practice bunkers. Unwind at the end of the day—or make a whole day out of it—by taking advantage of Belterra Casino Resort’s full-service,
award-winning salon and spa. Translating to “beauty” in Portuguese, its salon and spa named “Beleza” offers body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, teeth whitening and a wide selection of massages. Make a trip to Belterra Casino Resort this September for the Mac King Comedy Magic Show or wait until October to see Little River Band perform live in its Center Stage Showroom. n
Nathanael Greene Lodge is located fifteen minutes from downtown Cincinnati in the heart of Green Township. The parklike setting is perfect for an intimate ceremony under the new outdoor gazebo or to have a reception in the 50 foot cathedral ceiling Continental Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. Nathanael Greene Lodge also has the perfect setting for a memorable birthday party, stress free rehearsal dinner, or enjoyable family gathering. The Mulberry Room has seating accommodations for up to 80 guests and has access to an outdoor patio. The West Point Room is ideal for 50 guests or less and is perfect for a corporate gathering. For business meetings or corporate outings, Nathanael Greene Lodge is ideal because of its close proximity to hotels and highways. The quiet setting, upgraded audiovisual systems, ample parking and various meetings rooms accommodate the needs of any size group from 12 or 200.
6394 Wesselman Road | Cincinnati, Ohio 45248 | 513-598-3100 | greentwp.org/departments/nathanael-greene-lodge 42
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GET READY TO GET LUCKY.
Just Off I–75 Exit 29
Over 1,800 gaming machines featuring
THE HOTTEST GAMES WITH THE BEST VARIETY! The excitement continues with 2 outdoor gaming patios, 4 restaurants, 2 bars, live entertainment every weekend, festivals, concerts, and live harness racing in season.
www.miamivalleygaming.com Must be 21 or older to gamble. Problem Gambling? Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-589-9966) or visit www.org.ohio.gov.