Columbus is unique among Ohio gambling cities: it has both a full casino and a racino operated by different major chains. This dual-network market gives video poker players an unusual opportunity to build status in two national loyalty programs from a single metro area.
The Main Venues
Hollywood Casino Columbus (PENN Entertainment)
The area's full-service casino, located on the west side of the city. Hollywood offers a broad video poker floor with Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, Deuces Wild, and Double Bonus variants. The high-limit room at $1+ denomination is where you'll find the best pay tables — 9/6 Jacks or Better is the target.
As a PENN property, your play earns PENN Play points redeemable at 40+ properties nationwide, including the M Resort in Las Vegas and properties across the eastern US.
Eldorado Gaming at Scioto Downs (Caesars Entertainment)
A racino on the south side of Columbus, part of the Caesars Rewards network. Scioto Downs' main draw for video poker players is the Caesars Rewards integration — your play here earns the same Tier Credits and Reward Credits used at Caesars Palace, Harrah's, and other Caesars properties.
Scioto runs frequent multiplier events (sometimes 5x or 10x Tier Credits), which makes it extremely efficient for building Caesars Rewards status. A few well-timed sessions at Scioto can generate enough Tier Credits for Diamond status, which unlocks resort fee waivers, lounge access, and priority service at Caesars properties in Las Vegas.
The video poker selection focuses on standard variants — Jacks or Better and Bonus Poker at quarter and half-dollar denominations.
The Dual-Network Advantage
Columbus players can maintain status in both PENN Play (Hollywood) and Caesars Rewards (Scioto Downs) simultaneously. Here's why that matters:
- PENN Play: Best for general nationwide comp value, dining, and room offers across a broad network
- Caesars Rewards: Best for Las Vegas trips (resort fee waivers, room offers on the Strip, lounge access)
If you travel to Las Vegas even once a year, maintaining Caesars Rewards status through Scioto Downs sessions can save you $200-500+ per trip in resort fees and room costs alone.
Practical Tips
High-limit at Hollywood for pay tables. The main floor at both properties tends to be tighter. Hollywood's high-limit room offers the most competitive Jacks or Better pay tables in Columbus.
Scioto Downs for multiplier days. Check the Caesars Rewards app for multiplier events at Scioto. A 10x Tier Credit day makes even moderate play count significantly toward tier advancement.
Use both properties' dining comps. Both Hollywood and Scioto offer dining rewards for video poker play. The comp rates are reasonable, and both properties have decent restaurant options.
Consider the statewide Ohio market. Columbus is roughly equidistant from Cleveland (JACK Casino, MGM Northfield) and Cincinnati (Hard Rock). If you're willing to drive 2 hours, you can add even more loyalty programs and pay table options to your rotation. See our Ohio statewide guide for the full picture.