Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati has a powerful new attraction to draw discerning customers: vino.
The casino's prime eatery, Jack Binion's Steak, is one of a handful of local winners to nab Wine Spectator's coveted "Award of Excellence" designation. The recognition honors restaurants with unique selections that complement their menus.
"This shows our complex and wide offerings of wine and that we're very diligent about our program," said Ross Highley, general manager of Jack Binion's.
A local restaurant veteran, Highley has made several attempts to win the honor at other eateries, but it was only the casino that changed his luck. A total of 15 local restaurants won the magazine honor, and Horseshoe was the only casino to make the cut.
Jack Binion's stands out even among other Horseshoe casinos: it is the only Jack Binion's that offers its own private label wine, called Vintage 51. It's private label wine and its selection of more than 200 wines designed to complement its steak menu.
Making the Wine Spectator's list provides Horseshoe with bragging rights it hopes to leverage into gambling visits. This year, the casino has battled fiercely with Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg for the No. 1 spot among the region's crowded gambling market that includes three riverboat casinos in Southeast Indiana and three racinos in Southwest Ohio.
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The Horseshoe was the region's fourth full-blown casino in Greater Cincinnati when it opened in March 2013. Since then, Miami Valley Gaming racino opened in December in Turtlecreek Township; Belterra Park opened in May in Anderson Township; and Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway opened in August.
Located in Downtown, Horseshoe's competitive strategy has varied from its suburban competitors. Horseshoe attracts more higher-frequency gamblers that stay for a shorter period during each visit. Hollywood, by contrast, attracts more gamblers staying for a weekend.
To attract its core customer, Horseshoe has opened with signature restaurants designed to draw customers such as Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and Bobby's (Flay's) Burger Palace. The casino has also booked top entertainment acts to perform at its outdoor The Shoe and indoor Pavilion venues.■