Ohio Casino Control Commission awards gaming license to Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Casino Control Commission on Wednesday voted to award a state gaming license to Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati – another important milestone before the $400 million casino opens March 4 downtown.

The casino will host a controlled demonstration for invited guests Feb. 27 to prepare for the public grand opening five days later. The Ohio Casino Control Commission requires the preview to demonstrate the “operational readiness” of the casino and its employees, according to a news release.

Casino developers said proceeds from the event will be donated to four local nonprofits:

• ArtsWave, formerly known as the Fine Arts Fund, which helps to make the community more vibrant and connected through the arts and cultural experiences.

• The Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency, which helps low-income children, adults and families throughout Hamilton County.

• Freestore Foodbank’s Cincinnati Cooks program, which trains people seeking a career in the food service industry.

• And Talbert House, which offers services in adult behavioral health, community care, court and corrections and youth behavioral health throughout Greater Cincinnati.

Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati employees have invited thousands of friends, family members and business partners to be part of the Feb. 27 event. Estimates for how much will be donated were not available. But the Rock Ohio Caesars casino in Cleveland had about 1,800 attendees during its preview last year and donated roughly $50,000 in gaming proceeds, according to a company spokeswoman.

The casino will have more than 2,000 slot machines and 85 table games.