Cincinnati has Ohio's best casino sportsbook and betting options right at the ballpark. Whether you want the full Hard Rock experience or a quick bet at a Reds game, here's where to wager in the Queen City.
The Main Event: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
🎸 Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati Sportsbook
Hard Rock Cincinnati features one of Ohio's largest dedicated sportsbooks. The space includes a massive video wall, private betting lounges, VIP seating, multiple betting windows, self-service kiosks, and a full bar with food service.
What's available: Full betting menu on all major sports. High limit windows for serious bettors. Same-game parlays available at kiosks. Futures, props, and live betting.
Hard Rock Cincinnati's sportsbook rivals anything in Vegas. The atmosphere is electric on NFL Sundays and during March Madness. Unlike some casino sportsbooks that feel like afterthoughts, this one was designed from the ground up for sports bettors.
Hard Rock offers reserved seating for big events. Call ahead for NFL playoffs, March Madness, and Bengals games if you want guaranteed spots. Walk-ins on regular Sundays are usually fine before noon.
Stadium Betting
📍 Great American Ball Park (Reds) Stadium
You can bet at Reds games without leaving the park. Kiosks are scattered around the concourse, letting you place wagers on any sport—not just the game you're watching. Lines close in the 7th inning, so get your bets in early.
Paycor Stadium does not currently have in-stadium betting. For Bengals games, your options are Hard Rock pre-game or your mobile app during the game. Hard Rock is about 15 minutes from the stadium.
Bar Kiosks in Cincinnati
UBetOhio operates kiosks in bars throughout Greater Cincinnati. These are typically found in sports bars and entertainment venues rather than neighborhood taverns.
Popular areas for kiosks include:
- The Banks (downtown riverfront entertainment district)
- Over-the-Rhine sports bars
- Northern Kentucky border bars (Ohio side)
- Clifton near UC campus
- Oakley and Hyde Park entertainment spots
Kiosk locations change regularly. Always call the venue or check UBetOhio.com before making a trip specifically for betting. Machines get removed, venues close, and new locations open constantly.
Why Hard Rock Stands Out
Hard Rock Cincinnati's sportsbook has advantages over other Ohio casino sportsbooks:
| Feature | Hard Rock Cincy | Typical Ohio Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Space | Purpose-built sportsbook | Converted casino floor |
| Video Wall | Massive, multiple screens | Standard TVs |
| VIP Options | Private lounges available | Limited or none |
| Food & Drink | Full service at your seat | Walk to casino bars |
| Betting Windows | Multiple, high-limit available | 1-3 windows typical |
The Kentucky Factor
Cincinnati sits on the Ohio-Kentucky border. Kentucky legalized sports betting in 2023, meaning you have options on both sides of the river:
In Ohio: Hard Rock Cincinnati, bar kiosks, mobile apps (FanDuel, DraftKings, etc.)
In Kentucky: Mobile apps work in KY with different operators. No retail sportsbooks in Northern Kentucky yet, but Churchill Downs properties may expand.
Your Ohio sportsbook apps won't work in Kentucky and vice versa. If you cross the river, you'll need to use Kentucky-licensed apps. Most major operators (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM) are licensed in both states.
Getting to Hard Rock
Hard Rock Cincinnati is located in the Broadway Commons area, easily accessible from downtown and major highways.
- From downtown: 5-minute drive, about 1.5 miles east on Broadway
- From I-71: Exit at Reading Road, head south
- From Northern Kentucky: Cross any downtown bridge, head east on 3rd or 4th Street
- Parking: Free parking garage attached to casino
Rideshare is popular for game days when you're drinking. Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the area.
Game Day Recommendations
Reds Games
Walk from Great American Ball Park to Hard Rock in about 15 minutes. Bet at the casino before the game, then use in-stadium kiosks during. Or just use your phone—apps work everywhere.
Bengals Games
Hard Rock opens early on game days. Get there 2-3 hours before kickoff to place bets and watch early games. Uber to Paycor Stadium (10-15 minutes depending on traffic) or stay at Hard Rock and watch on the big screens.
Big Events (March Madness, NFL Playoffs)
Reserve seating if possible. Arrive early. Hard Rock gets packed for major events, and standing room fills quickly. Consider weekday first-round games if you want a more relaxed experience.