JACK Thistledown Racino Guide and Review

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, JACK Thistledown Racino offers a unique blend of casino gaming and horse racing. While it presents itself as a fun destination with a variety of entertainment options, recent user feedback highlights a mixed bag of experiences, ranging from enjoyable visits to serious concerns regarding staff conduct and hygiene protocols.

What to Expect: Gaming, Racing, and Amenities ✨

For many visitors, JACK Thistledown provides a pleasant environment for an outing. The racino boasts a wide selection of games, ensuring there's something for every type of player. The atmosphere is generally described as pleasant, and the venue is often noted for not being overly busy, which can be a plus for those seeking a more relaxed gaming experience. A significant convenience is the plentiful free parking, making access straightforward for guests.

Beyond the casino floor, the inclusion of horse racing adds another dimension to the entertainment. Users appreciate the combination of "Horses, Casino, food" as part of a good destination. For early birds, the availability of fresh coffee in the mornings is also a noted positive.

Areas for Improvement: Critical Concerns ⚠️

Despite the positive aspects, several recent reviews point to critical issues that potential visitors should be aware of:

1. Staff Conduct and Customer Service: A major concern revolves around the behavior of certain staff members. One particularly alarming review describes an incident involving alleged racial profiling and extremely rude conduct from a manager and security guard who reportedly struggled to read a valid passport. This raises serious questions about professionalism and staff training in handling customer interactions and identification.
2. Food Service Hygiene: Another significant issue highlighted is the alleged consistent violation of food service protocols by staff at the bakery. A user reported witnessing staff blowing their nose with gloves on and not changing them before handling food and restocking pastries, as well as a general lack of proper glove usage and the failure to use tongs for unwrapped items. This indicates a serious lapse in hygiene standards that was reportedly not addressed even after being brought to management's attention.
3. Value for Money & Payouts:
   • Overpriced Food and Drinks: Several patrons have found the cost of food and drinks to be expensive, suggesting that dining options might not offer the best value.
   • "Tight" Machines: A recurring sentiment among gamers is that the slot machines at JACK Thistledown Racino, particularly when compared to its downtown Cleveland counterpart or other local casinos like MGM, seem to have lower payouts or are "tighter." This can detract from the gaming experience for those hoping for more frequent wins.

Gaming Experience: Payouts and Comparisons

While the racino offers a variety of games, some visitors express a preference for other locations like the JACK Cleveland downtown due to perceived better payouts. The "tightness" of machines is a common point of discussion, with some players considering trips to competitors like MGM Northfield Park to compare their luck.

Food & Beverage: Pricing and Protocols

The culinary offerings receive mixed feedback. While some initially rate the food as "very good," concerns about overpricing are evident across various venues within the racino. More critically, the detailed accounts of poor hygiene practices at the bakery pose a significant health and safety concern, overshadowing any positive remarks about the food itself.

Customer Service: A Point of Contention

The staff experience appears to be a significant factor in overall satisfaction. While some might find the general atmosphere pleasant, severe incidents of alleged misconduct and lack of professionalism, such as the described racial profiling and ID mishandling, stand out starkly. These isolated yet impactful events can severely tarnish a customer's perception and loyalty, as evidenced by a user stating, "You’ve lost a customer."

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag for Visitors

JACK Thistledown Racino offers a convenient location with ample parking, a pleasant atmosphere, and a decent selection of games and racing action. However, potential visitors should be mindful of the significant concerns raised regarding staff conduct, especially concerning identification and alleged discrimination, as well as critical hygiene issues within food service areas. The pricing of food and drinks and the perceived "tightness" of gaming machines are also consistent points of criticism. While some will find it a "fun destination," others have had experiences that highlight a need for considerable improvement in customer service and operational standards.