Horseshoe Casino Baltimore stands as a cornerstone of Maryland's gaming landscape, offering visitors a comprehensive entertainment experience in the heart of Baltimore's sports and entertainment district. Operated by Caesars Entertainment through CBAC Gaming, this urban casino combines world-class gaming facilities with distinctive local dining and strategic positioning near major attractions including M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards.
Introduction
Since opening its doors on August 26, 2014, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore has established itself as Maryland's second-largest casino, featuring an expansive 122,000-square-foot gaming floor. The facility represents a significant milestone in Maryland's gaming history, emerging from a 2008 voter-approved referendum that authorized casino development in Baltimore City and four other state locations. The casino's development involved a competitive selection process, with the Maryland Lottery Commission approving the Caesars Entertainment-led consortium bid in July 2012.
The facility's strategic location at 1525 Russell Street positions it within walking distance of Baltimore's premier sports venues, creating a synergistic entertainment hub that attracts both local residents and visitors. The casino's design reflects collaboration between Baltimore-based architects Ayers Saint Gross and Cleveland-based KA architects, who brought their experience from designing Horseshoe Casino Cleveland to create a facility that balances functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Gaming Floor and Facilities
The casino's 122,000-square-foot gaming floor offers a diverse array of gaming options designed to accommodate players of all experience levels and preferences. The two-story layout maximizes space efficiency while maintaining an open, accessible environment that facilitates easy navigation and comfortable gameplay.
Video Lottery Terminals
The gaming floor features an extensive selection of video lottery terminals, providing players with numerous options ranging from classic slot machine styles to modern video gaming experiences. These terminals incorporate the latest gaming technology, offering various denominations and themes to suit different player preferences and bankroll sizes.
Table Games Selection
Horseshoe Baltimore offers a comprehensive table games section featuring traditional casino favorites. The table games area provides options for both novice players and experienced gamblers, with professional dealers facilitating gameplay across multiple game types. The casino maintains competitive table limits to accommodate various betting preferences.
World Series of Poker Room
A distinctive feature of Horseshoe Baltimore is its dedicated World Series of Poker room, which serves as a premier destination for poker enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic region. This specialized gaming area hosts both tournament play and cash games, providing a professional poker environment that attracts serious players and casual enthusiasts alike. The WSOP branding connects the facility to the most prestigious poker tournament series in the world, adding credibility and appeal to the poker offerings.
Dining and Entertainment Options
The Baltimore Marketplace spans 20,000 square feet and showcases the city's culinary identity through a carefully curated selection of dining venues. This food hall concept brings together local flavors and national brands, creating a diverse dining experience that complements the gaming activities.
Charm City Food Outlets
The marketplace emphasizes Baltimore's local food culture by featuring Charm City food outlets that highlight regional specialties and local favorites. These vendors provide authentic Baltimore dining experiences, allowing visitors to sample the city's distinctive culinary offerings without leaving the casino complex.
Premier Restaurants
Beyond the marketplace, Horseshoe Baltimore features three premier restaurants that offer full-service dining experiences. These establishments provide elevated cuisine options for guests seeking more formal dining settings, whether for special occasions or extended visits to the casino complex.
Bars and Lounges
Multiple bars and lounges throughout the facility provide spaces for socializing, watching sports, and enjoying beverages. These venues create gathering points within the casino, offering respite from gaming activities while maintaining the energetic atmosphere that characterizes the property.
Strategic Location and Partnerships
The casino's position along Russell Street on Baltimore's south side creates unique advantages for both the property and the surrounding entertainment district. This location strategy has enabled Horseshoe Baltimore to develop meaningful partnerships that enhance its market position.
Proximity to Sports Venues
Horseshoe Baltimore's immediate proximity to M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL Baltimore Ravens, and Camden Yards, home of the MLB Baltimore Orioles, creates natural synergies with major sporting events. Game days bring significant foot traffic to the area, with fans often visiting the casino before or after events. The casino's location also provides convenient access to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, one of the city's primary tourist destinations.
Baltimore Ravens Partnership
In October 2018, Horseshoe Baltimore formalized its connection to the Ravens through a multi-year marketing agreement that designated the casino as the official casino partner of the team. This partnership strengthens the casino's brand association with Baltimore's most prominent sports franchise and creates marketing opportunities that reach the Ravens' extensive fan base.
Ownership and Management Structure
Horseshoe Baltimore operates under a consortium ownership model led by Caesars Entertainment. CBAC Gaming, the ownership entity, includes multiple partners: Jack Entertainment, CVPR Gaming Holdings, STRON-MD Limited Partnership, and PRT TWO. This partnership structure combines the operational expertise of Caesars Entertainment with the investment capacity and local knowledge of consortium members.
Caesars Entertainment manages daily operations, bringing its extensive casino management experience and national brand recognition to the Baltimore market. The Caesars management ensures operational standards align with company-wide protocols while adapting to local market conditions and regulatory requirements specific to Maryland gaming.
Historical Context and Development
The path to Horseshoe Baltimore's opening involved significant political and regulatory processes. The 2008 constitutional referendum that authorized casino gaming in Maryland represented a major policy shift for the state. Following voter approval, the competitive bidding process for the Baltimore license attracted proposals from multiple gaming operators, each presenting different visions for the property.
The Maryland Lottery Commission's selection of the Caesars-led consortium in July 2012 set the development timeline in motion. Construction and regulatory approval processes culminated in the August 26, 2014 grand opening, which featured performances by Motown artist Gladys Knight, with additional entertainment from Iggy Azalea and Pauly D. The opening celebration included outdoor performances by Rhythm6 band and vertical dance performances by BANDALOOP, accompanied by pyrotechnics.
Regulatory Environment
Maryland's gaming regulatory framework governs all aspects of Horseshoe Baltimore's operations. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission oversees licensing, compliance, and operational standards for all casinos in the state. This regulatory oversight ensures gaming integrity, responsible gambling practices, and adherence to state gaming laws.
The casino operates under specific regulations regarding gaming offerings, operational hours, responsible gaming programs, and revenue sharing with the state. These regulatory requirements shape operational decisions and ensure the facility contributes to state revenues while maintaining gaming industry standards.
Conclusion
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore represents a significant addition to Maryland's gaming and entertainment landscape. Its combination of extensive gaming options, local dining experiences, and strategic location near major sports venues creates a distinctive entertainment destination. The facility's integration into Baltimore's south side entertainment district demonstrates how gaming facilities can complement existing attractions while contributing to local economic activity. As the casino continues operating under Caesars Entertainment management, it maintains its position as a key player in the Mid-Atlantic gaming market, serving both local patrons and visitors to the Baltimore area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gaming options are available at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore?
The casino features 122,000 square feet of gaming space including video lottery terminals, table games, and a dedicated World Series of Poker room for tournament and cash game play.
Where is Horseshoe Casino Baltimore located?
The casino is located at 1525 Russell Street on Baltimore's south side, adjacent to M&T Bank Stadium and Camden Yards, with convenient access to the Inner Harbor.
Who owns and operates Horseshoe Casino Baltimore?
The casino is owned by CBAC Gaming, a consortium led by Caesars Entertainment, which also manages daily operations. Other consortium members include Jack Entertainment, CVPR Gaming Holdings, STRON-MD Limited Partnership, and PRT TWO.
When did Horseshoe Casino Baltimore open?
The casino opened on August 26, 2014, following Maryland voter approval of gaming in a 2008 referendum and the Maryland Lottery Commission's approval of the Caesars-led consortium bid in July 2012.
What dining options are available at the casino?
The 20,000-square-foot Baltimore Marketplace features Charm City food outlets highlighting local cuisine, three premier restaurants, and several bars and lounges throughout the facility.
Does Horseshoe Baltimore have any sports team partnerships?
Yes, in October 2018, Horseshoe Baltimore became the official casino partner of the Baltimore Ravens through a multi-year marketing agreement.