Overview of the Maryland Casino Industry

The state of Maryland boasts a vibrant and thriving casino industry that has significantly contributed to its economy and tourism sector. Since the legalization of casino gaming in 2008, Maryland has seen the establishment of several popular land-based casinos, attracting visitors from neighboring states and offering a wide range of gaming and entertainment options. 

According to the American Gaming Association, in 2019, Maryland’s commercial casinos generated over $1.7 billion in revenue for the Education Trust Fund, showing how the state is maximizing the benefits it can derive from regulating gambling activities. This article will provide an overview of five popular land-based casinos in Maryland, highlighting their offerings and the latest news surrounding them.

Importance of Land-Based Casinos in the State

Land-based casinos play a crucial role in Maryland’s economy, generating tax revenue for state and local governments and providing employment opportunities for residents. In 2019, the Maryland casino industry was responsible for over 7,000 direct jobs, with an estimated $317 million in wages paid to employees. Furthermore, a study conducted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, found that for every $1 spent at a casino, an additional $0.53 was generated in economic activity within the state.

Additionally, these establishments often act as catalysts for tourism, attracting visitors to the state and increasing spending in related industries such as hospitality and dining. A report by the Maryland Department of Commerce highlights that visitor spending in Maryland exceeded $18 billion in 2019, with casinos playing a significant role in driving tourism dollars. The following sections will delve into the offerings and recent news surrounding the five popular land-based casinos in Maryland.

1. MGM National Harbor

Location and Brief History

MGM National Harbor, located in Oxon Hill, Maryland, is a premier casino resort that opened its doors in December 2016. Owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, this luxury establishment spans over a 23-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River, providing stunning views and world-class amenities. The casino resort has quickly become a favorite destination for gaming enthusiasts and tourists alike, solidifying its reputation as a top attraction in the region.

Gaming Offerings

MGM National Harbor features an expansive gaming floor with over 3,000 slot machines, offering a diverse range of games to suit various preferences and budgets. From classic reel slots to modern video slots and progressive jackpots, the casino ensures a thrilling gaming experience for all players.

The casino also offers more than 160 table games, including popular options such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Players can also try their hand at unique and exotic games like Pai Gow Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Casino War, ensuring a well-rounded gaming experience for all patrons.

Furthermore, MGM National Harbor is home to a dedicated poker room, boasting 46 tables and a luxurious setting. This non-smoking poker room hosts daily tournaments, cash games, and special events, catering to players of all skill levels.

Amenities and Entertainment

MGM National Harbor features an impressive selection of dining options, including award-winning restaurants and casual eateries. Guests can enjoy fine dining at establishments like Voltaggio Brothers Steak House and Fish by José Andrés, or opt for more casual fare at Shake Shack, Pappas Crabcakes, and other popular venues.

The resort also offers numerous bars and lounges to suit every mood and preference, such as the high-energy Felt Bar & Lounge, the sophisticated Blossom Cocktail Lounge, and the intimate Lobby Bar. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails, premium spirits, and fine wines while taking in the stunning views of the Potomac River or the lively casino floor.

Recent News and Updates

MGM National Harbor, celebrating its sixth anniversary, holds the distinction of being not only the highest-grossing casino in Maryland but also the leading commercial casino outside Nevada in 2022. With its impressive performance, the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area ranks as the third-largest market for gaming revenue, following the Las Vegas Strip and Atlantic City.

According to the American Gaming Association, MGM National Harbor’s revenue from slots and table games reached $884.46 million in 2022, marking a 15% increase compared to 2021. The casino contributed an impressive 43.12% to Maryland’s total gaming revenue last year.

Additionally, MGM National Harbor now features retail sportsbooks and access to Maryland online sports betting platforms, with retail sports wagering at National Harbor amounting to around $11 million in 2022.

Industry experts, such as BetMaryland.com, credit MGM National Harbor’s unique positioning in a bustling dining and entertainment district, as well as its proximity to the Gaylord Hotel, a major conference and convention center, for attracting both casual and dedicated gamblers. Gambling.com reporter Bill Ordine echoes this sentiment, attributing the casino’s success to its advantageous location and offerings.

2. Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland

Location and Brief History

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, situated in Hanover near the Arundel Mills Mall, is one of the largest gaming, retail, and entertainment destinations in the state. Opened in 2012, the casino is owned and operated by The Cordish Companies and has become a popular attraction for both local and out-of-state visitors. The casino’s convenient location, midway between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., makes it an ideal destination for gaming and entertainment enthusiasts.

Gaming Offerings

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland boasts over 4,000 slot machines, providing an extensive array of gaming options for players. The casino offers popular titles and themes, as well as classic machines and the latest in slot technology. Players can enjoy progressive jackpots, video slots, and more, ensuring an exciting gaming experience for all patrons.

The casino also features over 200 table games, including classics like blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as less common options such as Mississippi Stud, High Card Flush, and Sic Bo. Live! Casino’s diverse selection of table games guarantees a thrilling experience for players of all skill levels and preferences.

Meanwhile, the Live! Poker Room, featuring 50 tables, provides a luxurious and exclusive environment for poker enthusiasts. The room hosts daily tournaments, cash games, and special events such as the Live! Championship Series, attracting both amateur and professional players from around the region.

Amenities and Entertainment

Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland offers a wide variety of dining options, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries. Guests can indulge in culinary experiences at establishments like The Prime Rib, David’s, and Luk Fu, or enjoy casual fare at Bobby’s Burger Palace, The Cheesecake Factory, and other well-known venues.

The casino resort features several bars and lounges, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Patrons can enjoy live music at the R Bar, sip on cocktails at the Lobby Bar, or socialize at the Center Stage Bar, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the casino floor.

Recent News and Updates

In recent news, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland announced plans to open a new sportsbook in partnership with FanDuel, a leading sports betting, and daily fantasy sports provider. The new sportsbook, slated to open in 2023, will allow patrons to place bets on various sporting events, further expanding the casino’s gaming offerings and solidifying its status as a premier gaming and entertainment destination in the region.

In addition, it has been honored with the title of Best Hotel in Maryland for 2023 by the prestigious U.S. News & World Report. The annual Best Hotels rankings, now in their 13th year, assess properties across the United States, Europe, Bermuda, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.

3. Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

Location and Brief History

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, located in the heart of downtown Baltimore, is a popular gaming and entertainment destination. Opened in 2014, the casino is a joint venture between Caesars Entertainment and CBAC Gaming, a consortium of local investors. The casino’s prime location near the city’s famous Inner Harbor and major sporting venues like M&T Bank Stadium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards makes it an attractive option for gaming enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Gaming Offerings

Slot Machines

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore offers more than 2,200 slot machines, featuring a wide range of games to suit all preferences and budgets. Players can enjoy classic reel slots, modern video slots, and progressive jackpots, ensuring an engaging and diverse gaming experience.

Table Games

The casino features over 150 table games, including popular options like blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, as well as unique games such as Four Card Poker, Fortune Pai Gow, and Let It Ride. Horseshoe Casino Baltimore’s extensive selection of table games caters to players of all skill levels and interests, providing an exciting gaming experience for all patrons.

Poker Room

The Horseshoe Casino Baltimore’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) Room, featuring 22 tables, offers a luxurious setting for poker enthusiasts. With daily tournaments, cash games, and special events, the WSOP Room attracts players of various skill levels from across the region.

Amenities and Entertainment

Restaurants

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore features a variety of dining options, ranging from upscale restaurants to casual eateries. Guests can indulge in fine dining experiences at Gordon Ramsay Steak or Giada De Laurentiis’ GDL Italian, or enjoy casual meals at Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen + Bar, Fu Noodle House, and other popular venues.

H3: Bars and Lounges

The casino offers several bars and lounges for guests to enjoy, including the 14forty, a multi-level entertainment venue, and the B’More Beers taproom, which features a selection of local craft beers. Patrons can also unwind at the TAG Bar, offering electronic table games and a lively atmosphere.

Recent News and Updates

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore recently announced a partnership with BetMGM to launch a new sportsbook within the casino. The sportsbook, scheduled to open in 2023, will allow patrons to place bets on various sporting events, further expanding the casino’s gaming offerings and enhancing its reputation as a leading gaming and entertainment destination in the region. Visitors can expect to bet on popular leagues like:

In addition, Horseshoe Casino has reached a new agreement with its union workers, resulting in significant compensation increases over the next three years. Approximately 600 employees at the downtown Baltimore casino, located near M&T Bank Stadium, are represented by Unite Here Local 7. Unite Here is a labor union active in the US and Canada, representing around 300,000 workers primarily in the hospitality and gaming sectors.

The labor contract for Horseshoe Baltimore expired in October last year, and Unite Here Local officials have since been negotiating new worker agreements with Caesars. The discussions concluded this week with a deal, covering a range of casino jobs such as table game dealers, bartenders, cocktail servers, cooks, slot attendants, housekeeping staff, and cashiers.

As part of the new contracts, all non-tipped hourly workers will receive an immediate pay increase of $1.40 per hour. Previously, Horseshoe Baltimore’s lowest non-tipped positions were paid $14.67 an hour, a base pay rate that had remained unchanged since October 2021. The $1.40 per hour increase amounts to a 9.5% raise for the casino’s lowest-earning workers.

Furthermore, all non-tipped hourly workers at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore will receive an additional 80 cents per hour increase in October 2023, followed by another 80 cents per hour increment in October 2024. This will bring the minimum hourly wage at the casino to $17.67 by late 2024.

4. Ocean Downs Casino

Location and Brief History

Ocean Downs Casino, located in Berlin, Maryland, offers a unique blend of casino gaming and live harness racing, making it a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts and horse racing fans alike. Established in 1949 as a racetrack and later expanding into casino gaming in 2011, Ocean Downs is owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, a prominent name in the horse racing and gaming industry.

Gaming Offerings

Slot Machines

Ocean Downs Casino features 850 slot machines, offering a variety of games to suit different preferences and budgets. Players can choose from classic reel slots, modern video slots, and progressive jackpots, ensuring a diverse and engaging gaming experience.

Table Games

The casino also offers a selection of electronic table games, including popular options like blackjack, roulette, and craps. These games provide an alternative to traditional table games, catering to players who prefer a more technologically-driven gaming experience.

Sports Betting

Ocean Downs Casino offers a comprehensive MD sports betting experience at its TwinSpires Sportsbook. Guests can place wagers on a wide variety of professional, college, and amateur sports, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, and boxing. The sportsbook provides a convenient and efficient betting process by featuring sports wagering kiosks, allowing patrons to place bets such as single wagers or parlays without waiting in line.

Open daily from 8 am to 2 am, the TwinSpires Sportsbook at Ocean Downs Casino invites bettors to enjoy a drink while watching their favorite games on large screen displays. The welcoming atmosphere and modern amenities make the sportsbook an ideal destination for both casual and avid sports fans looking to engage in sports betting activities.

Amenities and Entertainment

Restaurants

Ocean Downs Casino offers several dining options for guests to enjoy, including Poseidon’s Pub, which serves a variety of pub-style fare, and the Dine N Dash, offering quick bites and snacks. Guests can also enjoy seasonal outdoor dining at the Terrace, featuring stunning views of the racetrack.

Live Racing

One of the unique attractions at Ocean Downs is live harness racing, which takes place seasonally between May and September. Racing fans can enjoy the excitement of live racing while placing bets on their favorite horses, adding an extra dimension to the entertainment options at the casino.

Recent News and Updates

Ocean Downs Casino recently announced plans to add a new outdoor gaming area, featuring additional slot machines and electronic table games. This expansion is expected to be completed in 2023 and aims to enhance the overall gaming experience for patrons, further solidifying Ocean Downs’ position as a leading gaming and entertainment destination in Maryland.

5. Rocky Gap Casino Resort

Location and Brief History

Rocky Gap Casino Resort, situated in the picturesque Rocky Gap State Park in Flintstone, Maryland, is a premier destination for gaming, relaxation, and outdoor recreation. Opened in 2013, the casino resort is owned and operated by Golden Entertainment, a diverse gaming and hospitality company. Rocky Gap Casino Resort’s unique location amid the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains makes it a popular choice for both gaming enthusiasts and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat.

Gaming Offerings

Slot Machines

Rocky Gap Casino Resort offers over 600 slot machines, featuring a diverse range of games to suit various preferences and budgets. Players can enjoy classic reel slots, modern video slots, and progressive jackpots, providing an engaging gaming experience for all patrons.

Table Games

The casino also features more than 20 table games, including popular options such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and Texas Hold’em. Rocky Gap Casino Resort’s selection of table games caters to players of all skill levels and interests, ensuring an exciting gaming experience for everyone.

Sports Betting

Rocky Gap Casino also has an onsite Maryland sportsbook, located in its newly added Sports Lounge. Located in the heart of the casino, sports fans can enjoy watching their favorite teams on impressive 30’x8′ LED TV walls while indulging in stadium-style snacks and ice-cold beverages. This comfortable and stylish sports viewing lounge provides an ideal environment for bettors to explore numerous betting options, allowing them to engage in sports wagering while immersed in a lively, yet relaxing atmosphere.

Amenities and Entertainment

Restaurants

Rocky Gap Casino Resort offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Guests can indulge in fine dining experiences at the signature restaurant, LB’s Place, or enjoy casual fare at the Lakeside Buffet, Signatures Bar & Grill, and other popular venues.

Bars and Lounges

The casino resort features several bars and lounges, including the ONYX Lounge, offering craft cocktails and premium spirits, and the Lobby Bar, an intimate space for guests to unwind and socialize.

Hotel Accommodations

Rocky Gap Casino Resort offers luxurious hotel accommodations, featuring 198 guest rooms and suites with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, and spa services, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Golf Course

The resort is also home to the award-winning Rocky Gap Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. This 18-hole, par 72 course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, with stunning views of the natural landscape.

Spa and Wellness Facilities

Rocky Gap Casino Resort features a full-service spa and wellness center, offering a range of treatments and services such as massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa provides a serene environment for guests to relax and rejuvenate during their stay.

Recent News and Updates

In recent news, Rocky Gap Casino Resort announced plans to expand its gaming floor, adding new slot machines and table games to its offerings. The expansion, expected to be completed in 2023, aims to enhance the overall gaming experience for patrons and solidify Rocky Gap’s position as a premier gaming and entertainment destination in Maryland.

Conclusion

Each of the five popular land-based casinos in Maryland offers a unique gaming and entertainment experience, catering to a wide range of preferences and interests. From the luxury of MGM National Harbor to the picturesque setting of Rocky Gap Casino Resort, these establishments continue to contribute to Maryland’s thriving casino industry and tourism sector.

The future of Maryland’s casino industry remains promising, with ongoing expansion projects and new developments such as the introduction of sports betting. As the industry continues to evolve, Maryland’s casinos will likely maintain their status as popular gaming and entertainment destinations for both residents and visitors alike.