Maryland Mania
A spotlight on the hottest casinos in Maryland
By Karrie L. Zukowski
MARYLAND LIVE! CASINO
Hanover, MD
One of the top casinos in the country, Maryland Live! Casino is a haven for slots lovers. Situated halfway between Baltimore and Washington, in Hanover, Maryland, this expansive casino is a giant playground for gamers, a casino lover’s paradise boasting one of the nation’s largest gaming, retail and entertainment destinations.
Open 24/7, the $500+ million Maryland Live! Casino features an exhaustive collection of more than 4,200 of the most popular slots and electronic table games, including Wheel of Fortune, The Walking Dead, Iron Man, Sex and the City and countless others. There are so many of the latest games and perennial favorites to choose from that no matter which slot you prefer, chances are you’ll find it here.
If you like to mix things up a bit with some table action, Maryland Live! offers 189 live action table games to suit any player—including blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, fortune paigow poker progressive, three card poker, four card poker, Mississippi stud and Texas hold‘em.
Food, Glorious Food
While you’re visiting Maryland Live! Casino, don’t miss out on the delicious food! Any one of the six irresistible dining options is guaranteed to be a big hit.
Bobby’s Burger Palace: Features 10 signature burgers, like the Philadelphia Burger and the Dallas Burger, and sides that include hand-cut French fries served with BBP fry sauce—Bobby’s own blend of mayonnaise, roasted red and chipotle peppers, and spices—and beer battered onion rings.
The Cheesecake Factory: Famous for their book-length menu, The Cheesecake Factory features more than 200 selections (made fresh from scratch daily) and more than 50 varieties of the restaurant’s signature cheesecake and specialty desserts.
Phillips Seafood: For the true seafood lover, Phillips’ Seafood serves an enhanced menu of Maryland favorites, including Phillips’ famous all-lump crab cakes, savory seafood soups, blackened fish, and a selection of sandwiches and wraps.
The Prime Rib: Renowned for tender cuts of USDA Prime steaks, this foodie paradise also offers the freshest seafood selections, an expansive wine list, and an atmosphere that is as elegant as it is comfortable.
Noodles: This Asian wok and noodle bar features a menu of authentic cuisine from China, Korea and Vietnam.
Live! Buffet: A multi-station feast, Live! Buffet features fresh-carved rotisserie-grilled meats, classic pasta dishes, stone-hearth-baked pizzas, authentic Asian stir-fry, and comfort food favorites like mac-n-cheese and fried chicken.
Player Perks
Of course, the best way to enjoy all the benefits of this gaming and entertainment experience is to join the Live! Rewards Club. With its unique structure, you get great perks no matter how often you try your luck. And as your play evolves, so do the benefits. Tier levels include: Classic, Gold, Platinum, Black and Chairman’s Club.
Based on your play you also receive self-comps redeemable for dining options at select Maryland Live! Casino restaurant (excluding The Cheesecake Factory and Bobby’s Burger Palace), or for purchasing merchandise from the Shop Live! retail store.
Maryland Live! Casino has redefined the casino experience, offering a gaming and dining destination unlike no other. Simply put, it’s a “can’t miss” destination for any casino lover. For more information visit: www.marylandlivecasino.com
ROCKY GAP CASINO RESORT
Flintstone, MD
Whether you enjoy the soothing tranquility of the great outdoors, or prefer to ramp up the excitement to a fevered pitch, Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone will help create your perfect Maryland getaway. Tap into your luck at the casino, grab a bite to eat with friends or hit a round of golf—Rocky Gap is designed to please.
From lush views to lavish details, the Rocky Gap Casino Resort hotel turns week-end getaways into lasting memories. Resort amenities include a new casino floor featuring the latest slot machines, blackjack, craps and roulette, five different restaurants, bars and lounges and live entertainment. Imagine yourself recharging in your suite over-looking the breathtaking view of the mountains, lake or golf course.
With summer just around the corner, plan to make your stay at Rocky Gap a true adventure by taking part in any of the numerous onsite activities including: hourly bike, canoe, kayak, rowboat, paddle boat and Yolo Board rentals (“You Only Live Once” stand up paddleboards).
If you’ve got a touch of the angler’s spirit, the adjacent Mountain Lake has a large number of largemouth bass—with some lunkers weighing in at over 10 pounds. The lake also supports smallmouth bass, sun-fish, channel catfish and trout. A wide variety of fishing poles, bait and tackle are offered for hourly rental.
Nosh with Panache
Such an amazing property certainly must have equally amazing restaurants. Have no fear—Rocky Gap doesn’t disappoint when it comes to getting your feast on. Choose your preferred dining destination—all are terrific—and let them fill your visit with flavor. Here are some of our favorites.
Lakeside Restaurant. Enjoy casual dining with flair. Lakeside Restaurant offers you affordable and stylish buffet dining with a breathtaking lake view. Options include prime rib, chicken, seafood and more.
Signatures Bar and Grill. Signature’s has it all, live entertainment, great views, relaxing atmosphere, premium sports viewing on a multi-screen TV wall, so grab a chair and get comfortable because fresh food and high spirits are on the way!
LB’s Place. With fantastic salad bowls, flat breads, signature burgers and delicious Maryland Crab, LB’s is one of Western Maryland’s best casual dining restaurants! Enjoy a full bar with a well suited wine list and during the warmer months, enjoy outside seating with a beautiful lakeside view.
Finally, during your stay, enjoy exclusive access to Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Nestled in the foothills of the ageless Appalachian Mountains, the scenic vistas and shimmering lake offer the perfect backdrop for a round of golf with friends.
The design takes advantage of the location among the undulating hills and the blue waters of the lake. Golfers of all skill levels are drawn to the challenges that this 18-hole course provides. The front nine is carved from mountainous, tree lined terrain with numerous dramatic elevation changes, while the back nine is spread across expansive, gently rolling meadows. For more information visit: www.rockygapresort.com.
HORSESHOE CASINO BALTIMORE
Baltimore, MD
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Baltimore, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore is always about the guest, creating an ambiance that makes everyone feel like a legend. The property opened its doors on August 26, 2014 to much fanfare, creating an urban, two-story casino with 122,000 square-feet of gaming space that features slots, table games and—as you would expect—a World Series of Poker (WSOP) room.
Here you will find over 2,200 of the newest, hottest slots, including more than 150 video poker machines. Whether you enjoy the latest penny slots or want to explore the $500 slot machines in the high-limit area, they have your game. If you love the strategy of poker but prefer to play at a faster pace and in your own space, check out the selection of more than 150 video poker machines.
A Foodie Haven
It’s best not to bet on an empty stomach. Thankfully, you never have to go hungry here, with six delicious upscale, casual or quick bite options on hand.
Jack Binion’s Steak. You know this place takes steaks seriously because they put the Horseshoe founder’s name on the door. Indulge at Jack Binion’s Steak with mouthwatering U.S.D.A. Prime Aged steaks, world class seafood and truly decadent desserts.
Johnny Sánchez. Johnny Sánchez is a collaboration between two friends and James Beard Award-winning chefs, John “Johnny” Besh and Aarón Sánchez. They have created a spirited taqueria and tequila bar with a contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu features big, bold and powerful flavors with fantastic presentations and locally sourced ingredients
Guy Fieri’s Baltimore Kitchen + Bar. This fun loving restaurant offers guests a taste of Fieri’s signature cuisine, featuring huge, bold flavors and unique twists on traditional dishes. Open daily for lunch, dinner and late-night dining this restaurant offers a delicious blend of casual foods, including an extensive variety of burgers, wings, small bites and shareable food items.
Baltimore Marketplace. Baltimore Marketplace features five area restaurants that together comprise and extensive casual dining experience. Located on the first floor of the casino, it includes Heavy Seas Burgers, Tark’s at the ‘Shoe, Lenny’s Deli and Piezzetta and Guy’s Bar-B-Que Joint.
Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi. Featuring authentic Asian dishes in a contemporary environment, Ruby 8 Noodles and Sushi offers gourmet quality cuisine, made-to-order and served quickly with flavors straight from China, Vietnam and Korea.
Finally, if you’re looking to relax and blow off some steam with just a few snacks and drinks, party every Monday – Friday from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. with Horseshoe Happier Hours. Featuring special $5 eats & bar treats and 2-for-1 drinks at all restaurant bars. And don’t miss their newest tavern, B’More Beers. Choose from a huge selection of local craft beers while you sit back and watch the game or enjoying video poker right at the bar.
