Cleveland's gambling market is anchored by a downtown casino and a suburban racino, giving video poker players two distinct options. The competition between them — plus the proximity to Detroit casinos 2.5 hours west — keeps the Cleveland market player-friendly.
The Main Venues
JACK Cleveland Casino
Downtown Cleveland's only full casino, located in the former Higbee's building on Public Square. JACK's video poker floor is well-maintained, with Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, and Double Double Bonus variants across multiple denominations.
The ClubJACK loyalty program is one of the few in Ohio that still offers direct cashback (rather than only free play), making it appealing for math-oriented players who prefer cash value over promotional credits. Multiplier events are frequent, especially midweek.
JACK's main advantage: accessibility. It's downtown, easy to reach, and the urban setting means there are restaurants and entertainment options nearby that don't require driving.
MGM Northfield Park
A racino about 20 miles southeast of downtown, operated by MGM. The gaming floor is large — focused heavily on electronic gaming — with a good selection of video poker variants. As an MGM Rewards property, your play here counts toward the same tier status used at MGM properties in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Atlantic City, and elsewhere.
This is Northfield's key advantage: if you're an MGM Rewards member who plays in Las Vegas, your Cleveland play contributes to the same tier. Points earned at Northfield can be redeemed at Bellagio or Beau Rivage.
The main floor video poker at Northfield is mixed — some competitive Jacks or Better machines at the bar, with tighter tables in other areas. Always verify the pay table before you sit down.
Cleveland vs. Detroit
Detroit is 2.5 hours west and has three major casinos (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity, Greektown). Some Cleveland-area players make occasional trips to Detroit for variety.
The practical difference: Detroit's casinos often reserve their best video poker pay tables for $5+ denominations, while Cleveland's properties offer competitive tables at $1 and sometimes even at quarters. For lower-stakes players, Cleveland is generally the better option.
Tips for Cleveland Video Poker
Start at JACK for the cashback. Direct cashback is more valuable than free play for most players — you can use cash anywhere, while free play must be wagered through the machine. JACK's ClubJACK program makes it the default choice for video poker in Cleveland.
Use MGM Northfield strategically. If you're in the MGM Rewards ecosystem (or want to be), Northfield is your entry point. Even a few sessions can accelerate your tier status for Las Vegas trips.
Time your visits around promotions. Both properties run regular multiplier events. A 5x multiplier on a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine adds about 0.5% to your return — enough to push a near-break-even game into positive territory when combined with cashback.