CLEVELAND, Ohio - It's been almost five years since casino gambling arrived in Ohio.
Today, players can hit the slots and table games at casinos in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus and Cincinnati, as well as video lottery terminals at seven racinos throughout the state.
No area is as saturated as Northeast Ohio. Jack Cleveland Casino in downtown Cleveland competes with Jack Thistledown Racino in North Randall and Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in Northfield.
Each draws gamblers. But as they compete against each other, have they met expectations?
Jack Cleveland Casino: Jack, formerly Horseshoe Casino, renovated the historic Higbee building. To some dismay, the casino has never proceeded with plans for a second phase along the Cuyahoga River. That's largely due to the debut of racinos, which are managed by the Ohio Lottery Commission.
Since the casino dropped its relationship with Caesar's Entertainment last summer it has had to appease members of the new player's club, who miss the old benefits.
Thistledown Racino: Jack Entertainment has invested more than $150 million since deciding to keep the racino in North Randall. A large Las Vegas-type sign greets guests and the brick facade is being transformed with a glass entrance.
However, the neighborhood around the racetrack, including the property of the former Randall Park Mall, remains undeveloped. Proposal have included an industrial park.
Hard Rock Rocksino: Hard Rock, which also offers entertainment and comedy, has often outperformed all casinos and racinos in monthly revenue reports.
People are drawn to the facility, filled with rock memorabilia, for concerts in a great venue.
But like Thistledown, the racino on Ohio 8 has not seen a lot of development nearby. The company has not gone forward with a proposed hotel.
Today we look at northeast Ohio's casino and racinos - the past, present and future.
What do you think about the casino? Do you avoid it because you have to pay for parking or feel the cost to play table games is too high? Should it expand? Could Tower City Center be an option?
Has Thistledown's improvements drawn you to the facility? Are the food choices inviting? Would you like more entertainment options in the area?
Does Hard Rock Rocksino's mix of food, gambling and entertainment work? Do you gamble if you go to a show? Are the restaurants, including Kosar's Wood-Fired Grill, inviting?
Would you rather travel out of state to gamble?
Join us from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a constructive conversation about the state of casinos and racinos.
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Further reading
Jack Entertainment gambles with casino, racino upgrades, but results mixed.
Jack Entertainment seeking businesses to provide discounts to ClubJACK members.
Jack Thistledown Racino going Hollywood with new $9 million entrance, facade.
Hard Rock Rocksino tops Ohio casinos, making more than $20 million in March 2016.
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