JACK Cleveland Casino is downtown Cleveland's only full casino, located in the historic Higbee Building on Public Square. For video poker players in Northeast Ohio, JACK is the primary option — and its ClubJACK rewards program offers something increasingly rare: direct cashback.
Video Poker at JACK Cleveland
The casino has a dedicated video poker section with a good variety of games:
- Jacks or Better at quarter, half-dollar, and dollar denominations
- Bonus Poker and Double Double Bonus variants
- Deuces Wild on select multi-game terminals
- Bar-top video poker at the main casino bars
Pay tables at JACK are mid-range for Ohio. 9/6 Jacks or Better is available at the $1 level, with the main floor typically carrying 8/5 Bonus Poker or 8/6 Jacks or Better at lower denominations.
Ohio's high gaming taxes limit what casinos can offer on their main floors, so finding the best pay tables requires checking the high-limit area first.
ClubJACK: The Cashback Advantage
ClubJACK is JACK Cleveland's independent loyalty program, and its key feature is direct cashback rather than free play only. This matters:
- Cashback is real money you can withdraw or use anywhere
- Free play must be wagered through a machine before becoming withdrawable cash
- For a mathematically oriented player, $10 in cashback is worth more than $10 in free play
Most modern casino loyalty programs have moved toward free play only. ClubJACK's cashback option makes it appealing for players who prefer straightforward value.
ClubJACK also runs regular multiplier events, especially midweek. A 5x multiplier on a 9/6 Jacks or Better machine adds meaningful return to your session.
JACK Cleveland vs. MGM Northfield Park
The two main gambling options in the Cleveland area serve different strategic purposes:
| Factor | JACK Cleveland | MGM Northfield Park |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Full casino | Racino (VLTs) |
| Location | Downtown Cleveland | Northfield (20 miles south) |
| Network | ClubJACK (independent) | MGM Rewards (national) |
| Cashback | Yes (direct) | No (free play/points) |
| Best for | Local VP players | MGM status builders |
Choose JACK if: You value direct cashback and primarily play in the Cleveland area. ClubJACK's cash value is hard to beat for local players.
Choose MGM Northfield if: You're in the MGM Rewards ecosystem and want your Cleveland play to count toward Las Vegas tier status. The national network reach outweighs the cashback advantage for frequent travelers.
Do both: Many Cleveland-area players maintain accounts at both properties and play wherever the current promotions are better.
Tips for JACK Cleveland Players
Check for multiplier days before visiting. ClubJACK multiplier events are where the real value is. Timing your sessions around these events can add 0.5-1% to your effective return.
Downtown accessibility. JACK is easy to reach by car or public transit, and downtown Cleveland has restaurants and entertainment nearby. This makes it practical for shorter sessions — you don't need to commit to a full day.
Urban environment trade-offs. JACK is a downtown casino, which means no resort amenities (no hotel, spa, or pool). It's purely a gaming destination. If you want the resort experience, MGM Northfield is slightly more spacious, though also without a hotel.
For the full Cleveland market, see our Cleveland guide.