Thistledown is a racetrack that acquired a casino, not the other way around. The track has been running at North Randall for decades; the gaming floor opened on 9 April 2013. It rates 4.0 from nearly 6,000 Google reviewers.
It is owned by VICI Properties and operated by JACK Entertainment, and it sits about twenty minutes south-east of downtown Cleveland.
What's on the floor — and the Ohio distinction
More than 1,400 video lottery terminals.
That term matters, and it is the single most useful thing to understand about Ohio gaming. The state licenses two different things. Its four casinos — Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati — may offer slot machines, live table games and poker. Its seven racinos, Thistledown among them, may offer only VLTs, which are lottery-regulated terminals that look and play like slot machines.
So: no blackjack, no craps, no roulette, no poker room here. If a live pit is what you came for, JACK Cleveland Casino downtown has 89 tables. If you are happy on machines, the Thistledown floor is a good one, with games ranging from penny denominations up to $500 machines.
The racing
This is the real draw and the reason the property has the character it does.
Thistledown runs both flat and harness racing, and it is the home of the Ohio Derby and the Best of Ohio series — the most significant days on the state's racing calendar. A race day here is a genuinely different experience from a Tuesday on the VLT floor, and if you have any interest in racing it is worth timing a visit around the card.
Silks Bar and Restaurant overlooks the track and operates on live race days. The Diner at Thistledown serves comfort food year-round with extended weekend hours. There are six bars and restaurants in total.
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 — check the race calendar before you go if the track is the point, because the seasons and cards vary and Silks keeps to race days.
Parking is on site and free, which is a real advantage over the downtown Cleveland property.
Nearby alternatives
Downtown, JACK Cleveland Casino has full table games and a 26-table poker room. South-east, Northfield Park Racino is the other Cleveland-area harness track with VLTs. Further south, Hollywood Casino Columbus has Ohio's largest gaming floor.
For the full picture, see all Ohio in-person casinos.
FAQ
What are JACK Thistledown Racino'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 JACK Thistledown Racino?
You must be 21, the minimum age at every Ohio casino and racino.
Does JACK Thistledown 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 JACK Thistledown Racino?
More than 1,400 video lottery terminals, ranging from penny denominations up to $500 machines. There are no live table games.
What races run at Thistledown?
Both flat and harness racing. The track hosts the Ohio Derby and the Best of Ohio series, the biggest days on the state's racing calendar.
What restaurants are at JACK Thistledown Racino?
Six bars and restaurants, including Silks Bar and Restaurant overlooking the track on live race days, and The Diner at Thistledown year-round.
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.
