Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway opened on 28 August 2014, a $250 million development in north Dayton. It rates 3.9 from more than 8,600 Google reviewers.

It is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by Penn Entertainment, and it brought harness racing back to a city that had been without a track for decades.

What's on the floor — and the Ohio rule

1,000 video lottery terminals, running from penny denominations up to $100 machines.

That term matters. Ohio licenses two different kinds of property. Its four casinos — Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo and Cincinnati — may offer slot machines, live table games and poker. Its seven racinos, this one included, may offer only VLTs: lottery-regulated terminals that look and play like slot machines.

So there is no blackjack, no craps, no roulette and no poker room here. If a live pit is what you want in the Dayton area, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is about an hour south and has full table games.

It is worth knowing before you drive rather than after.

The racing

The track opened separately, on 3 October 2014, with a second grand opening of its own.

It is a 5/8-mile all-weather harness track — the all-weather surface is the notable part, because it allows racing through conditions that would cancel a card on dirt. The grandstand holds more than 1,000 enclosed seats, and there is a simulcast theatre where you can wager on cards from tracks across North America regardless of whether Dayton is running.

For a property that is otherwise a machine floor, the racing gives it a genuine second character.

Dining

The Skybox Sports Bar is a full-service restaurant overlooking both the gaming floor and the raceway — a good seat if you want to watch a card without standing outside in November. The H Lounge carries specialty drinks and live entertainment.

That is a lean operation compared with the full casinos, which is consistent with how Penn built the Ohio racinos: gaming and racing first, amenities second. There is no hotel on site.

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.

Parking is on site and free, which is the standard advantage the Ohio racinos hold over the downtown casinos.

Nearby alternatives

South-east, Miami Valley Gaming at Lebanon is the other harness racino between Dayton and Cincinnati. South, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati has live tables and a poker room. Also in Cincinnati, Belterra Park pairs VLTs with thoroughbred racing.

For the full picture, see all Ohio in-person casinos.

FAQ

What are Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway'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 Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway?

You must be 21, the minimum age at every Ohio casino and racino.

Does Dayton Raceway 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 Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway?

1,000 video lottery terminals, ranging from penny denominations up to $100 machines. There are no live table games.

What kind of racing runs at Dayton Raceway?

Harness racing, on a 5/8-mile all-weather track. The grandstand seats more than 1,000 under cover, and a simulcast theatre carries cards from tracks across North America.

Does Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway have a hotel?

No. Dining is the Skybox Sports Bar and the H Lounge; accommodation is elsewhere in Dayton.

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.