Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is a premier gaming and entertainment destination located in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Spanning 100,000 square feet across two floors, the casino features 2,000 slot machines, 85 table games, and a 31-table World Series of Poker room on a 23-acre site.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati stands as one of Ohio's premier gaming destinations, combining the legendary Hard Rock brand with comprehensive gaming options, exceptional dining, and world-class entertainment. Located at 1000 Broadway Street in downtown Cincinnati, this two-story casino complex offers an unmatched experience for both casual visitors and serious gaming enthusiasts.
Since opening its doors in March 2013, the property has evolved through multiple ownership changes, ultimately becoming part of the Hard Rock International family in 2019. The casino occupies a strategic 23-acre site on the northeast side of downtown Cincinnati, making it easily accessible for both local residents and visitors from across the region. As one of four voter-approved casinos in Ohio, it represents a significant investment in the state's entertainment infrastructure and contributes substantially to local and state revenues.
The facility operates under strict Ohio gaming regulations, with one of the highest tax rates in the nation at 33 percent of gross casino revenues. These funds support critical state programs including public education, law enforcement training, and problem gambling treatment services. This commitment to community benefit distinguishes Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati as more than just an entertainment venue—it's a vital contributor to Ohio's economic and social fabric.
The casino floor spans 100,000 square feet across two levels, creating an expansive gaming environment that accommodates thousands of visitors daily. The layout is designed for easy navigation while maintaining distinct zones for different gaming preferences and experience levels.
With 2,000 slot machines spread throughout the gaming floor, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati offers one of the most diverse slot selections in the region. The machines range from classic three-reel games to the latest video slots featuring progressive jackpots, bonus rounds, and interactive gameplay. Denominations accommodate all budgets, from penny slots to high-limit machines for serious players. The casino regularly updates its slot inventory to include the newest titles from leading manufacturers, ensuring guests always have access to the latest gaming technology.
The 85 table games at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati provide traditional casino action with professional dealers and well-maintained equipment. The selection includes multiple variations of blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, each with different betting limits to accommodate various player preferences. The table games area features both standard tables for casual play and high-limit sections for players seeking elevated stakes and more exclusive environments.
The dedicated poker room houses 31 tables and operates under the prestigious World Series of Poker brand. This space caters to both tournament players and cash game enthusiasts, offering various poker variants including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. The poker room hosts regular tournaments with varying buy-ins and structures, along with daily cash games at multiple stake levels. Professional dealers and dedicated poker room staff ensure smooth operations and maintain the integrity of all games.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati features multiple dining options that range from upscale steakhouse fare to casual quick-service meals, ensuring guests can find appropriate dining regardless of their schedule or preferences.
Council Oak represents the premium dining option within the casino, specializing in high-quality steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant features an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and an upscale atmosphere suitable for special occasions or business dinners. The menu emphasizes premium cuts of beef, sustainably sourced seafood, and seasonal preparations that showcase culinary expertise.
The iconic Hard Rock Cafe brings its legendary rock and roll atmosphere to the casino floor, featuring classic American cuisine surrounded by music memorabilia. The menu includes signature burgers, sandwiches, and entrees that have made Hard Rock Cafe famous worldwide. The venue also features a full bar and terrace seating, creating multiple dining environments within one location.
For guests seeking quick, satisfying meals, Brick'd Pizza offers oven-fired pizzas with various toppings and specialty combinations. The casual atmosphere and efficient service make it ideal for gaming breaks or informal dining. The menu extends beyond pizza to include salads, appetizers, and other Italian-inspired dishes.
YOUYU provides Asian cuisine with both traditional and contemporary preparations, while Constant Grind serves coffee, pastries, and light fare for guests needing quick refreshments. These diverse options ensure that visitors can find appropriate dining regardless of their culinary preferences or time constraints.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati operates under one of the most regulated gaming frameworks in the United States, with a 33 percent tax rate on gross casino revenues. This structure ensures significant contributions to Ohio's public school districts, host cities, all 88 state counties, law enforcement training, and problem gambling treatment programs.
The casino is owned by Vici Properties and operated by Hard Rock International under a lease agreement. This partnership combines Vici's real estate expertise with Hard Rock's legendary brand and operational excellence, creating a world-class gaming experience in the heart of Cincinnati.
Beyond gaming and dining, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati operates as a comprehensive entertainment destination with multiple venues hosting concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, and special celebrations throughout the year.
The dedicated event center hosts nationally recognized performers across multiple genres, from rock and country music to comedy and tribute acts. Recent and upcoming performances include artists like Chris Isaak and Little River Band, demonstrating the venue's ability to attract quality entertainment. The space features professional sound and lighting systems, comfortable seating, and excellent sightlines that create an intimate concert experience despite the venue's capacity.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati provides multiple locations for watching sporting events, including UFC fights broadcast live at the Hard Rock Cafe. The casino features numerous screens throughout the gaming floor and dedicated sports viewing areas where guests can reserve seating for major games and events. This integration of sports entertainment with gaming creates a dynamic atmosphere during key sporting events.
The Green Room, Council Oak Bar, Hard Rock Cafe Bar, Hard Rock Center Bar, Plum Lounge, and YOUYU Asian Bar provide diverse drinking environments throughout the property. Each venue offers distinct atmospheres, from upscale cocktail lounges to casual sports bars, ensuring guests can find appropriate settings for socializing, celebrating, or relaxing between gaming sessions.
The Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program provides members with rewards, benefits, and exclusive offers based on their gaming activity. Members earn points through slot play and table games, which can be redeemed for various rewards including free play, dining credits, hotel stays at partnering properties, and merchandise from the Rock Shop.
The tiered program structure offers increasing benefits as members advance through levels, including priority access to events, enhanced earning rates, dedicated casino hosts, and invitations to exclusive promotions. Members can also link their Unity accounts to Hard Rock's mobile gaming apps for additional rewards and cross-platform benefits. The program includes convenient features like downloadable win-loss statements and tax forms for members who need documentation for tax purposes.
Situated at 1000 Broadway Street in downtown Cincinnati, the casino benefits from excellent accessibility via multiple transportation options. The location places it within easy reach of major highways, making it convenient for visitors from throughout the Cincinnati metropolitan area, Northern Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana. The casino offers a monthly parking program for regular visitors, along with bus group services that facilitate organized visits from regional locations.
The downtown location also positions the casino near other Cincinnati attractions, hotels, and entertainment venues, making it part of a broader entertainment district. This integration with the city's tourism infrastructure benefits both the casino and the broader Cincinnati hospitality sector.
The property's history reflects the evolution of Ohio's gaming industry. Ohio voters approved casino gambling through a constitutional amendment in November 2009, authorizing one casino in each of the state's four largest cities. This marked the fifth statewide vote on gambling over 20 years, finally succeeding where previous attempts had failed.
Construction began in February 2011 at the site formerly known as Broadway Commons. The casino opened on March 4, 2013, as Horseshoe Cincinnati, operated by Rock Ohio Caesars, a joint venture between Caesars Entertainment and Dan Gilbert's Rock Gaming. It was the last of Ohio's four authorized casinos to open.
In June 2016, the property was rebranded as Jack Cincinnati Casino following Rock Gaming's transformation into Jack Entertainment. The most recent and significant change occurred in 2019 when Jack Entertainment sold the property for 745 million dollars to Vici Properties and Hard Rock International. Under this structure, Vici acquired the land and buildings for 558 million dollars while Hard Rock purchased the operating business for 187 million dollars. Hard Rock now leases the casino from Vici for 43 million dollars annually, combining Vici's real estate investment expertise with Hard Rock's operational capabilities.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati maintains comprehensive responsible gaming programs that reflect both regulatory requirements and corporate commitment to player welfare. The casino provides resources for guests who may be experiencing gambling-related problems, including self-exclusion programs, spending limits, and connections to treatment services. A portion of the casino's tax payments specifically funds problem gambling research and treatment programs throughout Ohio.
The casino also offers professional services including casino hosts who provide personalized assistance to regular players, casino credit programs for qualified guests, and detailed identification policies that ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining security. These services balance player convenience with the regulatory and social responsibilities inherent in casino operations.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has established itself as a cornerstone of Ohio's gaming industry and Cincinnati's entertainment landscape. The combination of extensive gaming options, diverse dining venues, quality entertainment programming, and the legendary Hard Rock brand creates a comprehensive destination that appeals to a broad audience. The property's evolution from its 2013 opening through multiple ownership changes to its current operation under Hard Rock International demonstrates both the maturation of Ohio's casino industry and the enduring appeal of well-executed gaming and entertainment venues.
For visitors seeking gaming excitement, quality dining, live entertainment, or simply a vibrant social atmosphere, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati delivers a professional, engaging experience backed by one of the most recognized brands in global hospitality. The casino's ongoing contributions to Ohio's economy through taxes, employment, and tourism make it a significant asset to both Cincinnati and the state as a whole.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing continuous access to gaming, dining, and entertainment options. Individual restaurants and venues within the casino may have specific operating hours.
The casino features 2,000 slot machines and 85 table games spread across 100,000 square feet of gaming space. Additionally, there is a 31-table World Series of Poker room dedicated to poker players.
Unity by Hard Rock is the casino's loyalty program that rewards members with points based on gaming activity. Members receive benefits including free play, dining credits, exclusive promotions, and tiered rewards that increase with higher levels of play.
The casino is located at 1000 Broadway Street in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, on a 23-acre site on the northeast side of the downtown area. It is easily accessible from major highways and offers parking options including a monthly parking program.
Dining options include Council Oak Steaks and Seafood for upscale dining, Hard Rock Cafe for classic American cuisine, Brick'd Pizza for casual Italian fare, YOUYU for Asian cuisine, and Constant Grind for coffee and light refreshments.
Yes, the casino features an event center that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances throughout the year. The venue has welcomed nationally recognized artists across multiple entertainment genres.
Guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter the gaming areas of Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Valid government-issued identification is required for entry and age verification.
The casino does not have an on-site hotel but works with partnering hotels in the Cincinnati area to provide accommodations for guests. The downtown location provides easy access to numerous hotel options within the city.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati collaborates with leading hospitality and entertainment partners to deliver exceptional experiences.
The 31-table poker room offers tournament and cash game action under the prestigious World Series of Poker brand, featuring professional dealers and multiple poker variants.
Council Oak Steaks and Seafood delivers upscale dining with premium cuts, fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, and sophisticated atmosphere for special occasions.
Grammy-nominated artist Chris Isaak performs live at the Event Center on December 19, 2025, at 8PM.
Classic rock legends Little River Band take the stage at the Event Center on December 26, 2025, at 8PM.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati hosts a complimentary New Year's Eve party to ring in 2026 with entertainment and festivities.