Horseshoe Baltimore is an urban two-story casino, and the second largest casino in Maryland with a 122,000-square-foot gaming floor.[1] The multimillion-dollar facility features video lottery terminals, table games, and a World Series of Poker room. Horseshoe's 20,000-square-foot Baltimore Marketplace features Charm City food outlets, three premier restaurants, and several bars and lounges.[2]
| Horseshoe Baltimore | |
|---|---|
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 Horseshoe Casino grand opening | |
  Horseshoe Baltimore in Baltimore and Maryland  Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (Maryland)  Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (the United States) | |
| Location | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Address | 1525 Russell Street |
| Opening date | August 26, 2014 |
| Total gaming space | 122,000 sq ft (11,300 m2) |
| Casino type | Land-based |
| Owner | CBAC Gaming |
| Operating license holder | Caesars Entertainment |
| Website | caesars |
The $442-million worth casino is located along Russell Street on Baltimore’s south side, neighboring professional sports venues M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL Baltimore Ravens, and Camden Yards, home of the MLB Baltimore Orioles, as well as Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.[1]
The casino is owned by CBAC Gaming, a group led by Caesars Entertainment, and is managed by Caesars. Other members of the CBAC consortium include Jack Entertainment; CVPR Gaming Holdings, LLC; STRON-MD Limited Partnership; and PRT TWO, LLC.[3]
History
editIn a 2008 constitutional referendum, Maryland voters approved a video lottery terminal casino facility in Baltimore City, and at four other locations throughout the state.[4] In July 2012, the Maryland Lottery Commission approved a Caesars Entertainment-led consortium bid to develop and operate a gaming facility in downtown Baltimore.[4]
Initial designs of the casino were prepared by Baltimore-based architects Ayers Saint Gross. Following the construction approval, revised renderings were prepared by Cleveland-based KA architects, who designed the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland.[5]
On August 26, 2014, the casino opened with a full night of celebration that included a performances inside and outside of the Casino. Outside entertainment included a live performance from Andy Kushner Entertainment's Rhythm6 band and vertical dance performances by BANDALOOP and pyrotechnics before doors opened to VIPs. Inside entertainment was provided by legendary Motown artist Gladys Knight, with "break music" provided by Iggy Azalea and Pauly D.[6]
In October 2018, the Horseshoe announced a multi-year marketing deal making it the official casino partner for the Baltimore Ravens.[7]
Question Seven
editIn November 2012, after the most expensive political campaign in Maryland's history, voters approved a 6th casino license in the state, as well as the addition of table games at all Maryland casino sites.[8] Voters approved the expansion of gambling, Question 7, with 52 percent of the vote.[9] More than $90 million was spent between the two campaigns in their efforts to sway voters.[9] Vote Yes on Question 7 was led by MGM Resorts International, The Peterson Cos. and labor organizations. Vote No On 7 was funded almost entirely by Penn National Gaming, owner of Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.[8]
Transportation
editHorseshoe Casino can be accessed by the Baltimore Light Rail at Stadium/Federal Hill station, and by MTA Buses #73, #26, and #75.
Criticism
editBaltimore Brew has been critical of the city's financial support of the casino, including increased police presence[10] near the casino and planned financial reimbursements, particularly after initial revenue from the casino has proven to be less than anticipated.[11]
Horseshoe also faces a unique security challenge, because it holds a 24-7 liquor license at its 14forty bar. The only bars in Maryland that can serve alcohol around the clock are in casinos.[12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Rector, Kevin. "As Horseshoe Casino Rises, Officials Work behind the Scenes for Smooth Launch." Baltimore Sun. N.p., 22 Feb. 2014. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
- ^ "About Horseshoe Baltimore." Horseshoe Casino: About. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
- ^ Caesars Entertainment. Caesars, Rock Gaming Consortium Granted License to Operate Downtown Baltimore VLT Facility. PR Newswire. PR Newswire Association LLC, 31 July 2012. Web. 13 Dec. 2012.
- ^ a b Wagner, John. “Caesars wins license for Baltimore casino.” Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post, 31 July. 2012. Web. 13 Dec 2012.
- ^ Steve Kilar (September 14, 2012). "Baltimore architecture firm dropped from casino project". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
- ^ Jeff Barker (August 26, 2014). "Baltimore opens shiny, new Horseshoe Casino". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved October 12, 2014.
- ^ "Three's a Trend: Caesars Property Partners With NFL's Baltimore Ravens". Legal Sports Report. 2018-10-21. Retrieved 2018-10-23.
- ^ a b Dresser, Michael. “Gambling expansion wins narrow victory.” Baltimoresun.com. The Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Dec 2012.
- ^ a b Stutz, Howard. “After enduring $90 million fight, Maryland voters OK new casino.” Lvrj.com. Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Dec. 2012.
- ^ Reutter, Mark (November 4, 2014). "Police are "donating" officers on overtime to watch over new casino". Baltimore Brew. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
- ^ Reutter, Mark (October 31, 2014). "City projects much lower community revenues from Horseshoe Casino". Baltimore Brew. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
- ^ Wagner, John (December 30, 2013). "Maryland casinos serving booze around the clock raises hackles of bar owners". The Washington Post. Retrieved 17 April 2015.