Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, operated by Caesars Entertainment Inc., faces a lawsuit filed by Jordan Kerr, a seasoned card counter who prefers the term “advantage player.” The lawsuit stems from an incident in October when Kerr claims he was illegally detained by casino security after refusing to provide identification.

Incident at Horseshoe Casino:

According to Kerr, the situation unfolded just after midnight on a Friday. He had been playing blackjack at the Horseshoe Casino in Maryland when a supervisor approached him, requesting his driver’s license. Kerr, as is common practice for card counters, declined to comply and decided to leave the casino. While heading for the exit, he alleges he was surrounded by security personnel and forcibly taken to a back room.

Kerr claims that security officers detained him without cause while awaiting police involvement. However, the police never arrived, as there was no crime committed. “This lawsuit is about accountability,” Kerr stated. “I just want to make sure they don’t treat other people like that.”

This is not the first time Kerr has taken legal action against a casino. In 2018, he filed a similar lawsuit against Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, accusing the establishment of false imprisonment, battery, defamation, and negligence, among other allegations. That case was settled out of court.

In his current legal battle, Kerr is represented by Harris S. Ammerman, while Horseshoe Casino Baltimore has engaged Robert Leigh Hebb, Principal of the Litigation Department at Semmes, Bowen & Semmes.

Declining fortunes of Horseshoe Casino:

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore opened in 2014 with high expectations from city leaders, who anticipated that the venue would spark development in the surrounding area. However, public records indicate a steady decline in gambling revenue over the years. As The Baltimore Banner reports, the casino’s workforce has also decreased significantly, with staffing levels now just a third of their original size.

Kerr, who has played blackjack at the casino on numerous occasions, observed its diminishing appeal. Referring to a nearby hotel, he commented, “It definitely seems like it’s on the decline.” On the night of the incident, Kerr played for several hours, experiencing both wins and losses before security intervened.

Card counting, though not illegal, is often unwelcome in casinos. Operators are within their rights to eject players they suspect of using such strategies. Kerr, who has been active in the casino scene for over a decade, is well-known in the industry. Despite his notoriety, he insists that the actions taken by Horseshoe Casino Baltimore crossed a line.

Kerr claims the incident resulted in a personal injury during what he describes as an “illegal detention.” His legal complaint highlights concerns about the treatment of patrons who engage in advantage play and seeks to hold the casino accountable.

The lawsuit against Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is part of a broader conversation about the rights of players and the actions of casinos in monitoring their patrons. Kerr’s case shines a spotlight on the tension between advantage players and casino operators, raising questions about fairness and accountability.