ThistleDown Racino / On your mark, get set, bet! Head just 20 minutes southeast of Cleveland to the ThistleDown Racino to watch and gamble on live horse races. Racing season kicks off April 18 and continues through November. Check out the Kentucky Derby races May 3, where tradition is kept alive with ladies' hat contests. Or race over to ThistleDown's video lottery terminals to pick from more than 1,000 games, including Quick Hit Platinum, Blazing 7s and Dangerous Beauty. 21501 Emery Road, North Randall, 216-662-8600, thistledown.com
The Horseshoe Casino / Stake your claim at Cleveland's casino in Public Square, which offers 1,700 slot machines, 89 poker tables, weekly and monthly poker tournaments, 100x odds on craps and a high-limit gaming area for those willing to risk a little more. Before or after you've placed your bets, dine at the buffet or restaurants such as B Spot, Corky and Lenny's and Rosie and Rocco's. 100 Public Square, Cleveland, 216-297-4777, horseshoecleveland.com
Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park / Stop by Northeast Ohio's newest gambling venue, where you can grab dinner at restaurants such as Kosar's Wood Fired Grill, satisfy your funny bone at the Club Velvet comedy club or attend live concerts. Check out diverse acts in the Hard Rock's 1,900-seat theater or head over to the video lottery terminals to bet on virtual horse races broadcast throughout the entire Rocksino. 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7625, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com
