Caesars preparing to open its third casino in Ohio

Caesars Entertainment Inc. will open its third casino in Ohio on April 9.

A 57,000-square foot casino will become part of the Thistledown Racetrack in North Randall, which is roughly 10 miles southeast of downtown Cleveland. The nearly 90-year-old facility is located on 128-acres and offers live racing from April through November at its one-mile oval racetrack, as well as simulcast racing year-round.

Thistledown is one of seven Ohio racetracks that were authorized by voters in 2009 to operate slot machine-only casinos. The Thistledown casino is a joint venture between Rock Gaming of Detroit and Caesars. The companies operate two of Ohio’s four full-scale casinos, Horseshoe Cleveland and Horseshoe Cincinnati.

Caesars and Rock spent $88 million to upgrade the Thistledown. The casino will house 1,150 slot machine-like video lottery terminals and six restaurant and nightlife outlets. The track’s casino expansion created 700 new jobs.

“It is thrilling to see our new gaming floor and amenities take shape while we also prepare for our live racing schedule to start on April 19,” Thistledown General Manager Rick Skinner said in a statement.

Las Vegas headliner and former “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks will perform as part of the casino’s opening ceremonies.