In a lawsuit that has sparked attention in the gambling world, seasoned “advantage player” Jordan Kerr alleges that Horseshoe Casino Baltimore illegally detained him during an incident in October. The confrontation has raised questions about the casino’s handling of skilled players and the declining fortunes of one of Baltimore’s most prominent gaming establishments.
The Incident
Jordan Kerr, a self-proclaimed expert in card counting, recounted his experience during a late-night blackjack session at the Horseshoe Casino. According to Kerr, it was shortly after midnight when he decided to walk away from the table. A casino supervisor approached him, requesting his driver’s license—an offer he declined.
As he moved toward the exit, Kerr said he was suddenly surrounded by security officers, who took him to a back room. While they waited for the police to arrive, tensions escalated. However, no officers showed up, as Kerr hadn’t committed any crime.
“I just want to make sure they don’t treat other people like that,” Kerr said, explaining his motivation for filing the lawsuit.
Stories like these are a strong factor why new players tend to choose online casinos before land casinos.
A Legal Pattern
This isn’t the first time Kerr has faced off against a casino in court. In 2018, he filed a similar lawsuit against a New Orleans casino, which was ultimately settled out of court. For Kerr, this latest legal action is about accountability, not just personal vindication.
“I’ve been doing this for more than a decade,” he said, adding that his reputation as an “advantage player” is already well-known in the casino industry.
Decline of Horseshoe Casino
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore opened its doors in 2014 with high expectations. City leaders heralded the project as a catalyst for economic growth in the surrounding area. But a decade later, the casino’s fortunes appear to be fading.
Gambling revenues have been on a steady decline, according to public records, and the casino’s workforce has shrunk to just one-third of its original size. Kerr, who has visited the casino many times over the years, described the venue as “on the decline.”
“It definitely seems like it’s on the way out,” he said, mentioning his occasional stays at a nearby “little dumpy hotel” during trips to the casino.
A Night That Went Sour
On the night in question, Kerr said he had been gambling for several hours. While he initially saw success at the blackjack tables, his luck turned, and he began to lose money. It was during this losing streak that security approached him, leading to the confrontation and his subsequent detention.
What’s Next?
The lawsuit against Horseshoe Casino, owned by Caesars Entertainment Inc., aims to address what Kerr describes as an abuse of power. The casino has yet to comment on the case, leaving many to speculate about the outcome and its implications for how casinos manage skilled players like Kerr.
For now, the legal battle serves as a reminder of the often-tense relationship between casinos and card counters, whose skill at the tables can blur the lines between legal play and unwelcome advantage. As Kerr’s case unfolds, it could set a precedent for how casinos balance player rights with their own security protocols.