Maryland's Casinos — Live! vs MGM National Harbor vs Horseshoe Baltimore
Maryland has six casinos including two major DC-area properties. MGM National Harbor and Maryland Live! both compete for the same DC/Baltimore audience.
Maryland licenses six casinos. MGM National Harbor (Oxon Hill, DC suburb) is the most upscale; Maryland Live! (Hanover, BWI corridor) is the highest-grossing; Horseshoe Baltimore is downtown urban; Hollywood Perryville, Ocean Downs (eastern shore), and Rocky Gap (western mountains) are the smaller regional venues.
MGM National Harbor
On the Potomac, 15 minutes from downtown DC. Opened 2016. Largest single-floor casino in the DC area. Hotel tower, multiple restaurants (Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Bourbon Steak), the Theater at MGM National Harbor for concerts. Mass tables $25–50; high-limit room with $100+ blackjack and $50+ baccarat.
The default for DC visitors who want a real casino without flying.
Maryland Live!
In Hanover, between BWI airport and Baltimore. Cordish Companies' flagship; opened 2012. Highest-grossing casino in Maryland by revenue. Larger floor than National Harbor; broader slot variety; bigger poker room. Hotel added in 2018.
Less polished than National Harbor; better gaming variety.
Horseshoe Baltimore
Downtown Baltimore, near Camden Yards. Caesars-operated. Mid-sized urban casino; convenient if you're in town for a Ravens or Orioles game.
Smaller properties
Comps and rewards
Which to pick
For polish + DC base: MGM National Harbor.
For gaming variety + Baltimore base: Maryland Live!.
For pre-game stops: Horseshoe Baltimore.
Topics
- maryland
- dc-metro