Horseshoe Cincinnati, Ohio's Fourth Casino, Celebrates ...

In 2009 Ohio voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing for 4 casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, & Toledo. Construction began on the Cincinnati casino in 2011 with Horseshoe Cincinnati opening in 2013. Over the years the Cincinnati Casino has changed hands and branding multiple times and has failed to build the hotel that was expected to be constructed a few years after opening. Overall from what I've heard the Cincinnati casino doesn't seem to be doing that well and a lot of people complain about them being one of stingiest around with payouts. A few days ago it was reported that Dan Gilbert the one time owner of the Cincinnati & Cleveland casinos and the "money" behind the push to legalize gambling back in 2009 is selling his Cleveland property. I guess Ohio casinos were not the windfall they were thought to be.
So here is a question: Has the Cincinnati casino lived up to voter's expectations as a generator of tax revenue and as a boon to tourism in the Cincinnati area? Or has Ohio's lucky numbers proven to be unfruitful as other states like Kentucky & Indiana attempt to elevate their game?

Cincinnati Circa 2001: http://www.visualphotos.com/photo/2x2675357/an-aerial-view-of-cincinnati-ohio-shows-cinergy-field-along-the-ohio-river.jpg
No Bengals stadium. No National Underground Museum. No Banks. No Smale Riverfront Park. No Giant GE global Operation Center HQ Just one big empty parking lot.
As you can see from the skyline no Great American Skyscraper we have today.
Over the Rhine was considered the most dangerous neighborhood in all of America, and the riots were still so fresh in people's minds. You would have to be foolish to step in OTR during the early 2000's.
Northside wasn't the booming neighborhood it is today. It was neighborhood that was infested with rundown buildings and crime.
There was no horseshoe casino. Newport on the Levee was still yet to Open.
Only transportation was a bus or walking. No red bikes, No street cars.
Cincinnati Circa 2015: http://i.imgur.com/8NLpmrt.jpg
There's a still long way to go, no doubt. But one can't help but notice the progress over the last 5 years and go, "wow".
I always lived by the philosophy that everything in life is about positive and negative momentum. And right now, Cincinnati has strides of positive momentum on its side.
One can't help but ask, what kind of progress we will see in 2030? Will there finally be light rail from CVG to downtown, to Cincinnati's suburbs?
Will Over the Rhine finally be fully restored to it's former and past glory? Will Cincinnati continue to grow population wise, and be filled with new skyscrapers. I like the future were heading towards. Everything isn't positive, there's still alot of crime and poverty that needs to be solved, but I have faith things will get better.
Until then, a toast to progress. And a toast for continued growth and prosperity for the urban core.

Ok, I'm TDY to Dayton Ohio and have the itch to play cards. I've played in casinos and home games for the bulk of my playing. Only cash games though.
There is a dedicated small poker room (& social club?) About 15 minutes from my hotel called Ruggles Club (no rake, but a $15-$25 fee to buy in). There is also a Jacks Casino (formerly Horseshoe) in Cincinnati. Both offer a 1/2 NLH and tournaments.
My question is do you think the level of play is going to be harder at a smaller dedicated room versus a casino? My thought process is that a small dedicated room in an average size town is going to have the same group of people that know how each other play and can use that to their advantage and my detriment where as the chances of that are smaller at a casino in a larger city like Cincinnati.
What are your thoughts or opinions?

I didn't see a post like this but then again I didn't see anyone ask for one either. Anyway, if you're coming to Cincinnati for the ASG and have never been here before, you've probably got some typical traveler questions, like "Where do I eat?" and "What's there to do besides the ASG stuff?"
So first, welcome to Cincinnati! Given the events are downtown, this post will mostly stay local to the immediate area. There's plenty of things to do in the region but chances are you're mostly looking to stay downtown. If you want to venture further out, feel free to ask questions.
To start, if you need help going from event to event, look down! There should be a green path laid out for you to get from place to place. This picture is from last year's event at Target Field. The Fan Fest and ballpark here in Cincy are roughly 8 blocks apart.
Places to See Here is a map of the general downtown area. I've circled a few places of note and pointed out where FanFest is located relative to all the rest.
The immediate area around the ballparks is what we call "The Banks" along the riverfront. You'll find a pretty neat park (the green area south of the ballpark at the bottom of the picture) with some fountains and plenty of green space. There's also an indoor carousel about a block west of GABP. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a block north of the carousel (circled on the map). The circle in the middle of map represents Fountain Square, which you can use as a point of reference for getting around. It has a cool, super old fountain on it (cool as far as fountains go, I guess), and various restaurants/bars in close proximity. On the wikipedia page you can see the Tyler Davidson fountain itself goes back to 1871 (and is on the US NRHP), although no longer on its original site.
There's a casino downtown (not in the picture above) just north of the ballpark. If you take Broadway north its about a 5-10 minute walk.
Just west of downtown is the Union Terminal Museum Center. It's technically walkable but I would take a bus or a taxi/UbeLyft or something.
North of downtown is an area called Over-The-Rhine (OTR for short) that is in the midst of revitalization. It has a wide variety of bars and restaurants, and is home to Findlay Market which is the origination point of our Opening Day Parade. It's also a really nice farmers market. OTR also has a strong brewing history, and many microbreweries dot the landscape. Ask any local and they'll no doubt be able to point you to their favorite.
And of course, right at GABP is the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. You can learn all about the history of our Redlegs right at the park itself. And speaking of Redlegs history, if you're interested in viewing the site that Crosley Field once occupied, I hear there is some kind of shuttle service running back and forth. I regret to tell you that the site is no longer home to the park, but MLB/Reds are doing something at the site. I couldn't find good details on what, unfortunately.
Places to Eat/Drink Around the ballpark at the Banks area are a lot of places to grab a bite to eat. In addition to chains like Jimmy Johns, Ruth Chris, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar, and Yardhouse, you'll find The Holy Grail bar, their sister Italian restaurant Santo Graal next door, Tin Roof, CRAVE, Jefferson Social, and Moerlein Lager House. For those unadventurous types, there's a Wendys just north of GABP on 4th between Main and Sycamore.
Up on Fountain Square, you'll find Chipotle, Pot Belly sandwiches, Rock Bottom Brewery, Panera, Dunkin Donuts, and two local favorites, Servatii Pastry and Graeter's Ice Cream. Southeast of the square you'll see a Currito (burrito place that I happen to love). On 6th just east of the square is a strip of restaurants/bars (like Sotto, Boca, Silver Ladle, Pi Pizzeria to name a few) and a Starbucks for those needing their fix (there is also a Starbucks closer to the path from FanFest to GABP at 4th and Vine). On Walnut just north of 6th are a few restaurants and bars, like Nicholson's Pub, Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Nada (mexican), Scene Lounge (bar), and The Righteous Room (bar).
At Findlay Market are a whole variety of places to eat, but my favorite is Eli's Barbecue. Eli's is cash/check only I believe.
Edit: A short walk across the river into Kentucky is Newport on the Levee, where there's a ton of bars and restaurants as well. Hofbrauhaus is a pretty popular beer garden. There's a cool aquarium over there too. There's a Gameworks on the Levee if that's your kind of entertainment. There's a bar I like called Beer Sellar as well, has a huge selection of beer on tap. There is a pedestrian bridge just east of Great American Ballpark, past US Bank Arena, the Taylor-Southgate bridge.
This is totally not an exhaustive list. Ask anyone local and they can probably rattle off a dozen more places to eat or drink. Finally, for those willing to try the much-maligned Cincinnati-style chili, there is a Skyline at 7th and Vine, as well as 4th and Broadway. Grab a 3 way (spaghetti, chili, cheese), a 4 way (with onions or beans), or a 5 way (with onions and beans) or just a cheese coney. There are lots of local chili parlors, and there are practically turf wars when it comes to people's favorites.
At/In the Stadium At the northwest corner of the stadium (near the main gates) are a series of statues honoring former Reds greats, from Joe Nuxhall and Ted Kluszewski, to Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan. Also in this area is the only team shop accessible without entrance to the ballpark itself. Further towards the river (viewable from outside the park and accessible from inside) is a rose garden. The white rose in the center of this garden represents where Pete Rose's 4192nd hit landed, back when Riverfront Stadium was around.
Inside the park from the main gates you'll see two cool mosiacs: one of the 1869 Red Stockings, and one of the Big Red Machine. Once seated, in right center field are the power stacks. I don't know what is planned for the ASG, but when a Reds pitcher strikes out an opponent, the power stacks emit plumes of fire. When a Reds player hits a home run, fireworks are launched from them. These stacks are a reminder of the steamboats that were very common along the riverfront in the 19th century (you'll probably see a few on the river if you look out that way). On each stack are 7 baseball bats, totally 14, symbolizing Pete Rose, as MLB prohibits the Reds from displaying his number.
You'll find souvenir shops on the terrace level, on the first base side of right and the third base side of left. There's also some shops behind home plate on the terrace level as well, towards third, including one that sells game-used items like baseballs, helmets, jerseys, and so on.
On the first and third base sides of the terrace level are two bars serving craft beers. The bar on the first base side also serves Bulleit bourbon.
Inside the park you can try the "hidden" food of GABP: the legendary SkyRosa. While you used to be able to order it straight up, now you have to build it yourself. At the LaRosa's (our local pizza chain), purchase a slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni at your choosing). Then head to a Skyline and get a cheese coney. Put the coney on the pizza, wrapping the coney like a taco. Eat.
That's the end of my super post here. I hope this is helpful for anyone coming to town for the next week. If you have any questions please post and I will try to answer to the best of my ability.
ADD 1: tommyturntup highly recommends checking out the Covington and Mainstrasse. It's a walk across the Roebling Bridge, which terminates on the Ohio side right at Smale Park next to the ballpark. Speaking of, did you know the Roebling Suspension bridge was designed by John Roebling, the designer of the Brooklyn Bridge? At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The Carew Tower, opposite Fountain Square, was the model for New York's Empire State Building.
ADD 2: x-post of the suggestions link from /reds for some stuff I might have missed

Hey, y'all! sethra007 and I are teaming up to share what's going on in Louisville every week. This post highlights goings-on around town for tonight through Sunday.
A reminder that if you're a parent, you owe it to yourself and your kids to check out the Louisville Family Fun site. If I started posting all of the kid- and family-focused events that they list, we'd be here all day. Many of the events LFF lists are free or very low cost, so it's a great way to entertain and educate your young'uns
JULY 17

• Louisville Stoneware Third Thursday Lifestyle Series: Succulent Gardening @ Louisville Stoneware | 5-7pm - FREE

This event features Valerie Schirmer from Three Toads Farm demonstrating how to pot succulents in Stoneware. Schirmer’s demonstration will include tips about soil, watering, sunlight, temperature and other key components for keeping your Stoneware succulent thriving year-round. Held in Stoneware’s new GE Mongram Experience Kitchen, the open house style event will be catered by Maison - A Boutique Culinary Company with complimentary “from the garden” themed hors d'oeuvre and cocktail tastings. The Lifestyle Series is designed to showcase authentic, local makers of products that complement the Stoneware products and lifestyle.

• Straight from the Bottle @ the Ice House | 6-8pm

Come enjoy a pleasant summer evening at the Ice House's new wine tasting series, Straight from the Bottle. Led by industry expert Erica Schnell, each series explores different tasting techniques and samplings of seasonal varietals and distinct blends from around the world. An assortment of appetizer pairings will be offered during the tasting, and a cash bar will be open for refreshments before and after each class. To purchase tickets call 502-589-4700.

• Mix Your Bourbon with Eron Plevan @ Bourbon Barrel Foods | 7pm - $45

Eron Plevan, head mixologist from The Oakroom will teach guests how to make a few of his signature cocktails. Guests will enjoy four of Eron’s favorite cocktails with Bourbon Barrel Foods’ signature snacks.

• Nappy Roots w/ Skyscraper Stereo, Bird Zoo, Xybrium & Inspire Me @ Mercury Ballroom | 9pm
  
• Official Forecastle Kick-Off Party @ Against the Grain | 7pm
  

Forecastle and craft beer kings Against the Grain Brewery will be hosting the official Forecastle Kick-Off Party to start your weekend off right! Stop by for local eats, treats, and drinks, plus all GA & VIP weekend pass holders can pick up your wristbands in advance from 5pm to 7pm! We'll also have a live music from Louisville favorites Second Story Man with The Debauchees starting at 7pm on the patio. RSVP now and join us for a heckuva good time!

• Yelp's Louisville Bucket List: Be a kid again at the Kentucky Science Center | 6-9pm - $12

MUST RSVP THROUGH YELP! At this special event, the center will allow Yelpers who are 21+ to come in and play with all of the displays and experiments after the center closes to the general public. Special adult beverages -- inspired by childhood favorites like Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Ecto Coolers -- will be provided by Fireball, Chila Orchata and Epic Vodka. Other surprises are in the works! And then at 7:30 p.m., attendees will go into the center's new state-of-the-art, four-story digital theater and watch a Hollywood classic: "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark." This movie is among several circa 1980s films that the center will be showing over the summer.

• 2014 USA Gymnastics Championships at the KFC Yum! Center| 9am

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Junior Olympic competition for trampoline/tumbling, acrobatic gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Rhythmic gymnastics, junior and senior elite
1:30-4:30 p.m. Trampoline and tumbling, junior prelims
6-9:30 p.m. Acrobatic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and synchronized trampoline, senior

• An Evening of Magic, Dinner and Bourbon @ Down One Bourbon Bar | 7pm - $49

Down One Bourbon Bar and Restaurant is teaming up with entertainer and magician Richard Darshwood for an evening of Magic, Dinner and Bourbon. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to make reservations. The event includes a mystery-filled evening with a three-course dinner and four courses of entertainment from Darshwood. Dinner starts with appetizers for the table, our house salad, a choice of Roasted Gerber Chicken Breast with Three Potato Hash, Brussels Sprouts and Gravy, or Shrimp and Grits, and Bourbon-Raisin Bread Pudding for Dessert.

• Summertime Birthday Hoedown in Germantown | 7:30-10:30 PM - $5

The Third Thursday Hoedown in Germantown returns July 17, celebrating its second birthday at its comfy home at Danny Mac’s, featuring local caller Alex Udis to the old-time tunes of semi-local band Hen Cackle. Doors open at 7 with a beginner’s square dance workshop at 7:30, and dancing will take place from 8-10:30, featuring predominantly simple and traditional southern figures.
JULY 18

• Get Centered with Kentucky Center’s Yoga Series | 11:45am – 1pm - FREE

(weekly on Friday until August 29, 2014) Join the Kentucky Center on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. for a class of yoga postures, flow, and deep relaxation. Come to the Main Lobby of The Kentucky Center by 11:50a, and bring your own mat and water!

• 2014 USA Gymnastics Championships at the KFC Yum! Center | 9am

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Rhythmic gymnastics, junior and senior prelims
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Trampoline and tumbling (juniosenior) and acrobatic gymnastics (Junior Olympic)
1:30-4:30 p.m. Junior Olympic rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling
1:30-4:30 p.m. Acrobatic gymnastics, junior
6-9:30 p.m. Acrobatic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline, senior

• OFFICIAL Forecastle Late Night Show - St. Paul and the Broken Bones w/ Curtis Harding @ Headliners | 12am - $20-22
  
• FORECASTLE FESTIVAL @ the Waterfront
  

Outkast, Spoon, Twenty One Pilots, Gary Clark Jr., Local Natives, Action Bronson, JJ Grey & Mofro, Against Me!, Nightmares On Wax (live), The Black Lips, St. Lucia, Mim0sa, Benjamin Booker, Leagues, Foy Vance, The Districts, Willie Watson, Old Baby, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Curtis Harding, Public

• Jane Austen Festival @ Locust Grove | 6-9pm - $5

Louisville’s home to Friday evening Twilight Shopping (6-9 p.m.) with music, Kentucky inspired food & drink, and entertainment! Friday only $5, One day Pass $12 or Two day Pass $20 Children under 12, admitted free

• Country Boys Gone Wild at the Louisville Beer Store | 12pm-5pm

Forecastle kick-off -opening early at noon. Our favorite country boys, that is Country Boy Brewing, are bringing the good stuff for a very special Forecastle kick-off tapping, featuring: ~ Country Boy/West Sixth Country Western ~ PaPaw’s Red ~ Bourbon Barrel-Aged Black Gold Porter ~ and more!
JULY 19

• 2014 USA Gymnastics Championships at the KFC Yum! Center | 9am

9 a.m.-12 p.m. Rhythmic gymnastics, junior and senior finals
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Junior Olympic acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling
1:30-4:30 p.m. Rhythmic gymnastics (Junior Olympic) and trampoline and tumbling (juniosenior finals)
1:30-4:30 p.m. Acrobatic gymnastics and trampoline, junior finals
6-9:30 p.m. Acrobatic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline, senior finals

• FORECASTLE FESTIVAL @ the Waterfront

Jack White, Band of Horses, Dwight Yoakam, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Jason Isbell, Slint, Lord Huron, Spanish Gold, Kygo, Avey Tare's Slasher Flicks, Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Soul Rebels, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Boy & Bear, Mount Moriah, Young & Sick, Johnnyswim, JaLin Roze, Goodbye June, The Wans, Jill Andrews, Anwar Sadat, Chancellor Warhol

• Official Forecastle Late Night Show with Moon Taxi @ Mercury Ballroom | 12am
  
• Bluegrass Situation and Americana Music Association Late Night Hang Featuring 23 STRING BAND, MATRIMONY, HUMMING HOUSE, DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS @ Headliners | 12am - $15-18
  
• FREE Movie “The Butler” @ Iroquois Ampitheater | Doors @ 7pm, Movie @ 8pm
  

Lee Daniel’s The Butler watches as Cecil Gaines serves eight presidents during his tenure as a butler at the White House, the civil rights movement, Vietnam, and other major events affect this man's life, family, and American society.

• Jane Austen Festival @ Locust Grove | 10am - 5pm

On Saturday, a Regency Promenade will take place in an effort to break the Guinness Book World Record number of people in Regency attire. One day Pass $12 or Two day Pass $20 Children under 12, admitted free

• Derby City Rovers vs Cincinnati Dutch Lions @ Woehrle Athletic Complex | 7:30pm -

The Derby City Rovers are Louisville's Premier Development League Soccer Team. They compete in the South Atlantic Division of the USL Premier Development League. One step below the pro game, the players are widely recognized as the top level of amateur mens soccer in the country.

• Owl Hike @ the Louisville Nature Center | 9:00-10:30pm

Join naturalist Rosemary Bauman at the Nature Center for an Owl Hike. Refreshments will be provided. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Dress for the weather. COST: LNC members and volunteers: $4 per person or $15 for families of 4 or more; Non-members: $6 per person or $24 for families of 4 or more. Limited to 20 participants. Registration and payment are required at registration by Saturday , July 19 at 12:00 noon. (Fees are non-refundable.)

• Jeff Dunham @ Horseshoe Casino | 7-11pm - starts at $50

As an entertainer, Jeff Dunham has truly impacted popular culture and his character catchphrases, such as Achmed's "Silence! I Keel You!" and José Jalapeño’s "On A Steek!'" are now part of our vernacular, much to the delight of multi-generational audiences worldwide.

• Pizza Party @ 610 Magnolia | 6:30pm - $35

The pizza party is back at 610 Magnolia. House made, hand tossed dough is topped with seasonal ingredients and houses cured meats before being baked in our wood fired oven. 610 Magnolia chefs will serve up pies both traditional and creative, along with other treats to round out the Italian style feast. Carefully selective wines and beers will be on hand to enjoy. Be sure to RSVP early as this is a popular event. Call 502-636-0783 or visit www.610magnolia.com
July 20

• Jane Austen Festival @ Locust Grove | 10am - 5pm
  
• Louisville's Best Fashion Show @ Frazier History Museum | 5:30-8pm
  

The wedding show at the Frazier History Museum is a boutique-like wedding show and is as elegant as they come. Enjoy free show admission, cake and catering samplings, while talking to Louisville's best wedding vendors.

• Sunday Supper Series @ Proof on Main | 5:30-10pm - $38

Summer weather means farm fresh produce. What better way to show off the bounty of the Ohio River Valley then with a series of special suppers created by Chef Levon Wallace. Join us on Sunday evenings for a family-style, prix fixe menu in addition to our regular a la carte dinner menu. Make your reservations for one of the Sunday dates below by calling 502.217.6360

• Preservation + Art 2014: Odd Corners in Louisville @ Hite Art Institute | Last day!

Preservation Louisville is hosting the 2nd annual Preservation + ART exhibit called: Odd Corners in Louisville at The Hite Art Institute. This exhibit features drawing of scenes in Louisville by Alexander Van Leshout from 1924 along with modern day photography by Dennis Crews. Some corners you may be able to recognize... others you may have to ask an older relative about! The exhibit is free and open to the public through July 20, 2014

• FORECASTLE FESTIVAL @ the Waterfront

Beck, The Replacements, Ray LaMontagne, Nickel Creek, Trampled by Turtles, Jenny Lewis, Tune-Yards, Flume, Brett Dennen, Sharon Van Etten, Claude VonStroke, Lucius, Chrome Sparks, Sun Kil Moon, Hayes Carll, Reignwolf, The Weeks, Blue Sky Black Death, Seluah, Matrimony, Thee Open Sex
If I left anything off or forgot anything, please post it! :)