Horseshoe Casino Baltimore

History

In a 2008 constitutional referendum, Maryland voters approved a video lottery terminal casino facility in Baltimore City, and at four other locations throughout the state. In July 2012, the Maryland Lottery Commission approved a Caesars Entertainment-led consortium bid to develop and operate a gaming facility in downtown Baltimore.

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.{{cite news|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/09/14/baltimore-architecture-firm-dropped-from-casino-project/|title=Baltimore architecture firm dropped from casino project

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.

In October 2018, the Horseshoe announced a multi-year marketing deal making it the official casino partner for the Baltimore Ravens.

Question Seven

In 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. Voters approved the expansion of gambling, Question 7, with 52 percent of the vote. More than $90 million was spent between the two campaigns in their efforts to sway voters. 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.

Criticism

Baltimore Brew has been critical of the city's financial support of the casino, including increased police presence near the casino and planned financial reimbursements, particularly after initial revenue from the casino has proven to be less than anticipated.

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.

Walk at Warner Street

Walk at Warner Street (stylized as Walk @ Warner Street) is an upcoming entertainment district designed to connect the Horseshoe Casino to the Camden Yards Sports Complex's M&T Bank Stadium, Oriole Park and Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It also includes Topgolf, which is a few walks away from the casino, and a concert hall announced in 2019 but has been stalled for years. The concert hall has resumed construction in August 2025, and is known as The Ostend Baltimore (formerly The Paramount Baltimore).

References

References

1. 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.
2. "About Horseshoe Baltimore." Horseshoe Casino: About. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
3. 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.
4. Wagner, John. "Caesars wins license for Baltimore casino." Washingtonpost.com. The Washington Post, 31 July. 2012. Web. 13 Dec 2012.
5. Jeff Barker. (August 26, 2014). "Baltimore opens shiny, new Horseshoe Casino". Baltimore Sun.
6. (2018-10-21). "Three's a Trend: Caesars Property Partners With NFL's Baltimore Ravens". Legal Sports Report.
7. Dresser, Michael. "Gambling expansion wins narrow victory." Baltimoresun.com. The Baltimore Sun, 7 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Dec 2012.
8. 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.
9. (November 4, 2014). "Police are "donating" officers on overtime to watch over new casino". Baltimore Brew.
10. (October 31, 2014). "City projects much lower community revenues from Horseshoe Casino". Baltimore Brew.
11. (December 30, 2013). "Maryland casinos serving booze around the clock raises hackles of bar owners". [[The Washington Post]].
12. "Topgolf Baltimore".
13. (August 4, 2025). "Paramount Baltimore concert venue resumes construction".
14. "THE OSTEND BALTIMORE CONCERT VENUE".
15. "Warner Street District".