Scioto Downs opened as a harness track in 1959 and on 1 June 2012 became the first racino in Ohio, when video lottery terminals arrived. It rates 4.0 from more than 9,600 Google reviewers.
It is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, which makes it one of only a handful of Ohio properties inside a national rewards network, and it sits on the south side of Columbus.
What's on the floor — and the Ohio rule
117,000 square feet with more than 2,200 video lottery terminals — the largest VLT floor in the state, and larger than several of Ohio's full casinos by machine count.
That word VLT matters. Ohio licenses two kinds of property: its four casinos may offer slot machines, live table games and poker; its racinos may offer only VLTs, which are lottery-regulated terminals that look and play like slot machines.
So there is no blackjack, no craps, no roulette and no poker room here — despite this being one of the biggest gaming floors in Columbus. For a live pit you want Hollywood Casino Columbus on the west side, which has 60-plus tables and Ohio's largest poker room.
The racing and the concerts
Live harness racing runs May through September — a summer meet, which places it opposite the winter thoroughbred season at Mahoning Valley and gives Ohio year-round racing between the two. A simulcast room operates year-round regardless.
Since 2013 the property has run a live outdoor summer concert series with national touring acts, mostly country, rock and blues. Combined with the racing, that makes the summer a genuinely different experience here than the winter.
Dining
Four rooms with distinct purposes. The Dash Cafe handles quick lunches, the Grove Buffet covers dinner, Brew Brothers pairs meals with music and microbrews, and The Clubhouse is the upscale option with views over the live harness racing — the seat to take on a race night.
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 property is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — no seasonal closures and no maintenance windows, which is not true of every gaming floor in the region.
The racing and the concert series are both seasonal. If either is the reason for the trip, check the calendar; a February visit and a July visit are very different.
Nearby alternatives
Also in Columbus, Hollywood Casino Columbus has the state's largest gaming floor, live tables, a 34-table poker room and a new hotel. North-east, JACK Thistledown Racino runs flat and harness cards near Cleveland. South-west, Miami Valley Gaming is the harness racino between Dayton and Cincinnati.
For the full picture, see all Ohio in-person casinos.
FAQ
What are Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs's hours?
The gaming floor is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Live racing and the concert series run seasonal calendars.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Scioto Downs?
You must be 21, the minimum age at every Ohio casino and racino.
Does Scioto Downs 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 Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs?
More than 2,200 video lottery terminals across 117,000 square feet — the largest VLT floor in Ohio. There are no live table games.
When does racing run at Scioto Downs?
Live harness racing runs May through September. A simulcast room operates year-round.
Was Scioto Downs the first racino in Ohio?
Yes. The track dates to 1959, and video lottery terminals arrived on 1 June 2012, making it the state's first racino.
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.
