There’s a unique thrill in watching your horse take the lead down the track, and adding some slot play makes for an exciting day at America’s racinos. This popular combination of racing and casino gaming began in 1996 when Iowa’s Prairie Meadows racetrack sought funding to remain operational. Casino gaming was a promising solution. Prairie Meadows became the nation’s first track to add slot machines and continues to operate today with over 2,000 slots alongside its racing events.
The success of Prairie Meadows sparked a trend that coined the term “racino”—a blend of “racetrack” and “casino.” Nowadays, racinos are found nationwide, featuring slots and video lottery terminals. Some even offer table games, infusing a bit of Las Vegas flair and financial boost to the tracks.
This year, Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon, OH, takes the top spot as Best Overall Gaming Resort/Racino. Conveniently located near Cincinnati and Dayton, it offers harness racing, simulcast wagering, and casino gaming, along with great restaurants and over 1,800 video lottery terminals (VLTs). Miami Valley claims titles for Best Overall Casino/Racino, Best Video Slots/VLTs, Best Progressive Slots/VLTs, Casino Where You Feel Luckiest, Best Hosts, Best Penny Slots/VLTs, Best Quarter Slots/VLTs, Best 50-Cent Slots/VLTs, Best Slot Club, Best Slot Club Promotions, Best Hosts, Friendliest Casino, Best Casino Cocktail Service, and Best Customer Service.
Bally’s Dover Casino Resort dropped a spot but remains a popular gambling and slot venue, offering an excellent racing and gaming experience close to Delaware Bay. The property boasts 2,200 slot machines, classic table games, a race and sportsbook, and thrilling harness racing. As Delaware’s largest casino, it earned accolades for Best $5+ Slots/VLTs, Best Players Club Lounge, along with other recognitions.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort continues to be a regional favorite. Located in historic Hot Springs, AR, it has been one of America’s top thoroughbred racetracks since 1904 and continues to delight visitors. The facility now includes a complete gambling experience beyond the racetrack, with a hotel, spa, and top restaurants and bars. The casino floor features 1,500 slot machines and over 30 table games. Oaklawn secured gold for Best Overall Casino/Racino, Best Video Poker, Best Variety Of Slots/VLTs, and Best VIP Services.
Strictly Slots Best Of Slots Awards 2025 Racinos
Best Overall Gaming Resort/Racino
1 Miami Valley Gaming
2 Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
3 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Best Overall Casino/Racino
1 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
2 Miami Valley Gaming
3 Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Best Reel Slots/VLTs
1 Delaware Park Casino
2 Miami Valley Gaming
3 Bally’s Dover Casino Resort
Best Video Slots/VLTs
1 Miami Valley Gaming
2 Presque Isle Downs & Casino
3 Delaware Park Casino
Best Progressive Slots/VLTs
1 Miami Valley Gaming
2 Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack
3 Delaware Park Casino
Best Video Poker
1 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
2 Delaware Park Casino
3 Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort
Casino Where You Feel Luckiest
1 Miami Valley Gaming
2 Presque Isle Downs & Casino
3 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Best Penny Slots/VLTs
1 Miami Valley Gaming
2 Presque Isle Downs & Casino
3 Bally
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com