WOSU News » Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati

Final Casino Approved By Ohio Voters Opens

The Associated Press — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:20:23 +0000

Thousands of die-hard gamblers and curious locals poured into a new casino in downtown Cincinnati after a grand opening featuring a fireworks display set to Frank Sinatra and Alicia Keys.

Crowds cheered as the doors opened of Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati opened Monday night. It’s the last of four to open in Ohio in less than a year.

It took about two years and $400 million to build the two-story casino on what used to be a run-down parking lot.

Casinos in Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus have brought in nearly $404 million combined. From that, about $133.2 million has gone to Ohio schools, counties and cities.

But projected revenues are far lower now than when Ohio voters approved four casinos in 2009.

Complaints, Praise After Dry Run Of Cincy Casino

The Associated Press — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:19:26 +0000

The first visitors to a casino about to open in downtown Cincinnati say they had a good time at a dry run of the facility but hope that a few kinks get worked out before visiting again.

Hundreds of people who went to Wednesday’s invite-only event at Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati posted their initial thoughts on social media.

Some said it was difficult to get drinks, others reported long lines and some said a few dealers were making mistakes and moving slowly.

Others praised the sleek look of the $400 million casino and the friendliness of the staff, while others bragged about winning money.

If the Ohio Casino Control Commission finds there were no major problems during the dry run, the casino will open to the public on Monday.

Cincinnati Casino Now Set To Open March 4

The Associated Press — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:40:26 +0000

Cincinnati’s $400 million downtown casino is now set to open March 4.

Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati will be the last of four voter-approved casinos to open in the state in less than a year.

Casinos in Cleveland, Toledo and Columbus opened starting in May.

Construction on the two-story, 400,000-square-foot facility is in its final stages, with work expected to finish up next month.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission is planning to conduct a dry run of the casino on Feb. 27 before allowing it to open.

Future dealers at the casino have been undergoing training while working to obtain licenses from the commission.

Mayor Mark Mallory says in a news release that “the casino opening is an exciting way to kick off 2013 in Cincinnati.”