Scioto Downs first opened back in 1959 as a horse-racing venue, and has since grown into a premier, multi-purpose gaming and racing complex. Today, it boasts top-of-the range casino games and exciting entertainment in addition to live harness horse racing during the summer season, which normally falls between September and May. To discover more about the venue, continue reading our expert Scioto Downs review.
As we continue down through this review, we’ll be conducting a complete and impartial appraisal of the Scioto Downs Racino. Sparing no attention to detail, we look at the horse racing betting facilities, the casino, promotions, hotel partnerships, licensing details, and lots more. We’ve even included a handy FAQ section at the end where you can get fast answers to questions we often get asked by our readers.
Scioto Downs: What to Expect
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Anyone who’s visited Scioto Downs will surely agree that it offers much more than racing and gaming. It’s a quality entertainment venue suitable for visitors of many ages. You’ll find live music in the Veil Bar at the weekends and a state-of-the-art microbrewery where you can sample some of the finest craft beers around! To discover more about some of the attractions outside of the games room, use the content navigation tool above to skip ahead to the entertainment paragraph.
Scioto Downs Casino Games
Scioto downs was the first casino in Ohio to introduce electronic gambling machines back in 2012. It’s no real surprise, then, that it has a massive selection. The Scioto Downs games catalog features over 2200 of the hottest, most in-demand games in the industry and has won a string of awards for its quality service. Some of the top titles housed here include Buffalo Gold Revolution, Joe Blow Diamonds, and Buffalo Gold Revolution, and new editions are introduced regularly.
Unfortunately, the Scioto Downs games list doesn’t include live table games. Needless to say, this isn’t good news for all the card sharks and dice chancers out there that love the thrill of live action gaming. However, the venue does offer simulcast racing betting, which can be just as thrilling as live table action and has the ability to produce wins just as big! If you haven’t tried it before, it’s definitely one for the bucket list.
- Progressive Jackpot Games
- Video Lottery Terminals
- Video Poker
- Video Keno
- Online Games
- Simulcast Racing Betting
A complete overview of the Scioto Downs games list can be seen in the list element we’ve provided above. When it comes to electronic games, the selection here is more than satisfactory. However, when it comes to table classics such as poker, blackjack, roulette and the like, we can’t help but notice the venue is lacking. If games such as these are your thing, we’d recommend the Hollywood Casino in Columbus.
No Online Games
At present, Scioto Downs doesn’t support online gaming services, which is a bit of a surprise when you consider that several other casinos of this size in Ohio do. Unfortunately, when it comes to gaming, visitors are pretty much limited to the electronic gaming terminals and seasonal horse racing. If you like the idea of accessing online games from the comfort of your own home, why not try the Jack Casino in Cincinnati? Through the app, you can access a great selection of online slots and table games, completely free of charge!
Promotions for Members
As you would expect from a casino of this stature, Scioto Downs promotions are plentiful. The only real downside is that in order to be eligible for most of them — and the best ones in our opinion — you need to be signed up to the ONE Club loyalty scheme. We’ll discuss the loyalty club in more detail in the following section; for now, however, take a look at some of the incentives that are available for members on the official promotions page on the website.
There are five different restaurant options available at Scioto Downs. Fortunately, it’s possible to find the odd promotion on food and drink at some of these from time to time. The best way to find out when deals are upcoming is via the online social media platforms. You can also get special room rates at the venue’s partner hotels, but we’ll discuss this in more detail a little later in the review.
ONE Club Loyalty Perks
The ONE Club loyalty scheme at Scioto Downs is loaded with lots of benefits. It’s a tier system with five levels where players earn points by playing on the video lottery terminals or betting on horse races. As we mentioned earlier, one of the main benefits of being a ONE Club member is seen in the unrestricted access you get to the full range of promotions. These include free slot plays, access to special prize draws, and lots more. Once you move up the tiers, the rewards of course become more substantial.
Horse Racing Betting
Strict laws and regulations currently enforced in Ohio prevent casinos from offering comprehensive betting services on the nation’s most popular sports. You can, however, wager on live horse racing during the summer racing season. There are a few notable races held here such as the Battle of Lake Erie, Carl Milstein Memorial Pace, and the Cleveland Trotting Classic. There are also some quality simulcast services available whereby you can watch and wager on races taking place at other tracks across the nation. Many enthusiasts use the same services to watch old races and research the past form of competitors.
Top Entertainment On-Site
As we mentioned earlier, the venue really excels when it comes to offering visitors an exciting array of events and entertainment. In addition, if you’re planning an overnight stay — we totally recommend that you do — the venue has secured official partnerships with a few hotels in the area, so guests are entitled to special rates! To learn more, keep reading the following sections!
Hotel Partners
If you’re looking to spend a few nights at the Scioto Downs Racino, there are a number of options to choose from. As we’ve already mentioned, the venue has agreed a number of partnerships with local hotels. Our favorite is the Hampton Inn. It’s actually attached to the casino, so you can retire back to a comfortable room after a long session of gaming with absolutely no stress. There’s an indoor pool and fitness facilities available also.
| Hotel Rooms | 600 + across four hotels |
|---|---|
| Price per Night: | $60 – $280 |
| Pool: | Indoor pool facilities available |
| Room Service: | Available depending on accommodation |
| Gym/Fitness Studio: | Fitness facilities available |
| Address: | 5950 S. High Street, Columbus, OH 43137 |
Regardless of what mode of transport you opt for, Scioto Downs Racino is very easy to find. It’s about 10miles south of the City of Columbo on Route 23; if you’re traveling by car, you should make the city your landmark as the casino is a straight shot from there. If you’re planning on taking a flight, the nearest commercial airport is John Glenn Columbus International. It’s about 20 miles away, so you may want to organize a rental car for when you land.
Exciting Scioto Downs Events & Entertainment
One of the best things about Scioto Downs is the varied entertainment on offer for guests. For instance, there are always concerts and live music events taking place inside the Veil Bar at the weekend, which often plays host to exciting local talent and some well-established tribute bands. In addition, there are five different restaurants and plenty of lounge areas where you can relax and enjoy a nice meal. Also, be sure to check out the Brew Brother Microbrewery! To check out what events are upcoming, take a look at the official events calendar on the website.
General Company Info
Scioto Downs is owned and operated by Eldorado Resorts, a casino and entertainment company based in Nevada. The company own 23 properties across 11 states in the US and is planning a merger with Caesers Entertainment Corporation. The completion date is not yet known. With regard to Socio Downs itself, it first opened in 1959 as a horse racing track and has since grown into one of the main casino and entertainment complexes in the region.
| Owner: | Eldorado Resorts |
|---|---|
| Phone Number: | +1 614-295-4700 |
| Gaming License Class: | Class II |
| Number of Games: | Over 2000 |
| Hours: | 24/7 |
| Opened: | 1959 |
| Website: | Scioto Downs |
| Social Media: | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram |
The venue has long been an important part of the Columbus community. It used to host annual, state-wide schools athletics competitions, which proved to be extremely popular for over 25 years before the competition was relocated elsewhere. Now, it is solely focused on casino gaming and racing, and its license allows players to enjoy top facilities in first-class surroundings all year round. Stay connected online and follow the Facebook, Instagram and Twitters accounts.
Premier Gaming and Racing
We’ve reached the end of the main section of our Scioto Downs review, which means it’s time to round things up and provide a fair, honest verdict. All in all, this is a really top venue that managed to impress us in most areas. The only thing lacking is live table games, but there are so many video lottery terminals — many of which simulate live table games — so it’s by no means a deal breaker. Top casino facilities and games, exciting racing, loads of promos and loyalty benefits, and lots more, await you here. For more top reviews of leading Ohio casinos, head back to the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
This final section of our Scioto Downs review is where we provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions submitted by our readers. Between this and the main review, we should have all the bases covered. However, if you reach the end and there are some things you’re still unsure about, shoot us a few questions of your own using the contact tab.
When was Scioto Downs built?
Scioto Downs was first constructed in 1959 and was primarily used as a horse racing track. Between 1985 and 2010, it hosted school athletics state championships, which often drew crowds of over 10,000 spectators. For more details about the history of the venue, skip back up to our general company info paragraph.
Does Scioto Downs have video poker?
Yes. There are well over 2000 electronic gaming machines here that include video lottery terminals and slots. Included in the selection are some simulations of live table games such as video poker and keno. For a complete overview of the offering, refer to our section on casino games.
How do I get free plays in the casino?
Free plays are available for members of the ONE Club loyalty program who have accumulated enough points. The program offers lots of attractive benefits such as access to special prize draws, discounts at the restaurant, and plenty more. See our loyalty club section for a more detailed overview.
What is the buffet like?
By all accounts, the buffet here is something you simply have to try when you visit. During holiday periods such as Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, they really pull out all the stops and prepare banquet-style feasts. To learn more about the dining options, check out our paragraph on non-gambling related activities.
When are races held?
Harness horse racing is held at Scioto Downs during the summer season, which normally starts around May and ends some time in September. Race day programs are available online, as is the full racing calendar. Learn all about the horse racing facilities available in our paragraph on sports betting.