It was just after midnight when Jordan Kerr decided to leave his blackjack game at Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. But the seasoned card counter, who calls himself an “advantage player,” soon found himself in a situation far more high-stakes than the table games.
According to Kerr, a supervisor requested his driver’s license, which he declined to provide. When Kerr stood up to leave, security officers allegedly detained him, leading to a standoff before taking him to a back room. Now, Kerr has filed a lawsuit claiming the detention was illegal and violated his rights.
A Clash Over Cards and Rights
For years, card counting has been a contentious issue in the gambling industry. While not illegal, casinos have the right to refuse service to card counters. However, Kerr claims the casino crossed a legal line by detaining him.
In his lawsuit, Kerr asserts that security officers held him while waiting for police, who never arrived. “I hadn’t committed a crime, so they had no reason to involve law enforcement,” Kerr said.
This isn’t the first time Kerr has taken legal action over such incidents. In 2018, he filed a similar lawsuit against a New Orleans casino, which was settled out of court. His Baltimore lawsuit, he says, aims to hold casinos accountable and ensure fair treatment for players.
Horseshoe Casino: From Boom to Bust?
When Horseshoe Casino opened in Baltimore in 2014, it was hailed as a major development for the city. Officials hoped the casino would boost the local economy and attract visitors. But in recent years, it seems the glitter has faded.
Public records reveal that gambling revenues have steadily declined, and the casino’s workforce has shrunk to one-third of its original size. Kerr, who has frequented the casino over the years, described it as being in a state of decline. “It definitely seems like it’s on the way down,” he remarked, noting the adjacent hotel’s less-than-stellar accommodations.
The casino’s parent company, Caesars Entertainment, has not commented on the lawsuit or Kerr’s claims.
The Incident: A Night Gone Awry
Kerr recounted his experience that night with a mix of frustration and determination. He had been gambling for hours, enjoying some early wins before the tide turned. By the time security intervened, Kerr said he was already losing money.
What followed, according to Kerr, was a scene straight out of a movie: security guards swarming him as he attempted to leave. “I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I just wanted to go home,” he said.
While Kerr’s identity as a card counter is well-known among casinos, he insists this is about more than just his reputation. “I want to make sure no one else has to go through what I did,” he said.
- Kerr alleges unlawful detention by casino security.
- Claims the incident violated his rights as no crime was committed.
- Police were reportedly not called, as Kerr’s actions didn’t warrant legal intervention.
Card Counting: Skill or Stigma?
The term “card counter” often conjures images of genius-level mathematicians beating the house at its own game. But for people like Kerr, it’s just another way to play strategically.
Casinos, however, see it differently. While not against the law, card counting is considered a violation of their rules. To combat it, many employ sophisticated surveillance systems and staff trained to spot patterns.
Yet, Kerr argues that players like him aren’t criminals. “This isn’t about cheating; it’s about using your brain,” he said.
A Broader Implication for Casino Policies?
Kerr’s lawsuit raises questions about how casinos enforce their policies and the legal limits of their authority. While casinos are private businesses with the right to refuse service, detaining patrons without clear justification can lead to legal challenges.
Legal experts say Kerr’s case could set a precedent, particularly in how security staff interact with patrons they suspect of card counting. For Kerr, the case isn’t just personal—it’s about standing up for players’ rights.
“I just don’t want anyone else to feel intimidated or mistreated,” he said.
