Belterra Park is a thoroughbred racino in Anderson Township, about ten minutes east of downtown Cincinnati off I-275. It rates 4.1 from more than 5,700 Google reviewers — the best-rated racino in Ohio.
If you are looking for River Downs, this is it. The track opened in 1925 as the Coney Island Race Track, was renamed River Downs, and became Belterra Park after Boyd Gaming acquired the property in 2018. It remains owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by Boyd.
A century of continuous racing on one site is unusual in American racing, and it is the property's real distinction.
What's on the floor — and the Ohio rule
More than 1,200 video lottery terminals.
Ohio licenses two different kinds of property, and the difference decides what you can play. The state's four casinos — Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati — may offer slot machines, live table games and poker. Its racinos, this one included, may offer only VLTs: lottery-regulated terminals that look and play like slot machines.
So there is no blackjack, no craps, no roulette and no poker room here. If you want a live pit in Cincinnati, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is downtown and holds one of the four casino licences.
The racing
Live thoroughbred racing runs alongside a simulcast operation, so you can wager on cards from other tracks on days when Belterra is dark.
The riverside setting is a genuine part of the appeal — the track sits on the Ohio River flats, and the grandstand views are among the better ones in regional American racing.
Check the race calendar before travelling if the track is the reason for the trip; the meet is seasonal and the gaming floor keeps its own hours.
Dining
Four restaurants, several with views over the track.
As with the other Ohio racinos, the food operation is sized to support the gaming and racing rather than to be a destination in itself. There is no hotel on site.
Tips before you go
You must be 21 to gamble, the minimum age at every Ohio casino and racino.
The gaming floor is open 24 hours, seven days a week. The racing is not — it runs a seasonal meet.
Parking is on site and free, and the I-275 access makes it an easy stop from anywhere in the tristate area.
Nearby alternatives
Downtown, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has live table games and a poker room. North-east, Miami Valley Gaming at Lebanon is the harness racino between Cincinnati and Dayton. Further north, Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway runs harness racing on an all-weather track.
For the full picture, see all Ohio in-person casinos.
FAQ
What are Belterra Park's hours?
The gaming floor is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live racing runs a seasonal calendar — check the race schedule separately.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Belterra Park?
You must be 21, the minimum age at every Ohio casino and racino.
Does Belterra Park have table games or poker?
No. As an Ohio racino it may offer only video lottery terminals. Live table games and poker are limited to the state's four licensed casinos.
What games are available at Belterra Park?
More than 1,200 video lottery terminals. There are no live table games.
Is Belterra Park the same as River Downs?
Yes. The track opened in 1925 as the Coney Island Race Track, became River Downs, and was renamed Belterra Park after Boyd Gaming took over the property in 2018.
What kind of racing runs at Belterra Park?
Thoroughbred racing, alongside a simulcast operation that covers other tracks on dark days.
Rather play from your couch tonight? See our Ohio sweepstakes rankings.
Updated August 2026 · Details verified against Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio State Racing Commission records and the venue's official site. Hours and offerings change — confirm before you go.
