Card Counter Sues Horseshoe Casino Baltimore For Unlawful Detention

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 2, 2025

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Jordan Kerr, a self-described “advantage player” and experienced card counter, has filed a lawsuit against Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, accusing the casino of unlawfully detaining him and causing personal injury. The incident in question occurred in October, but legal action has only recently been initiated.

According to court filings, Kerr was playing at the casino when management approached him and requested identification. Kerr declined to provide his ID and decided to leave. It was at this point that he claims he was detained by casino staff, leading to what he describes as an illegal encounter that resulted in injury.

Card counting, while not illegal, is often unwelcome in casinos, which have the right to eject players suspected of using this strategy. However, detaining a patron raises legal questions, and Kerr’s lawsuit suggests the casino’s actions overstepped its authority.

This is not the first time Kerr has taken legal action against a casino. A few years ago, he filed a lawsuit against Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, citing claims of assault, false imprisonment, battery, defamation, and other allegations. In that case, Kerr alleged that law enforcement collaborated with the casino to violate his rights.

In the Baltimore case, Caesars Entertainment, the parent company of Horseshoe Casino, is being represented by Robert Leigh Hebb, a principal attorney at Semmes, Bowen & Semmes. Kerr’s legal representation is Harris S. Ammerman.

Kerr’s allegations highlight ongoing tensions between casinos and card counters, whose strategies, while legal, can lead to confrontations. Casinos often monitor players closely to identify behaviors associated with advantage play and may take steps to remove suspected counters from the premises. However, the methods used to address these situations, such as detentions or physical confrontations, can lead to legal disputes.

While the case unfolds, it underscores the fine line between a casino’s efforts to protect its operations and the rights of patrons. Kerr’s lawsuit could have broader implications for how casinos handle similar situations in the future.

This latest legal battle adds to the growing discourse around the rights of players who engage in tactics like card counting and the responsibilities of casinos to enforce their policies without infringing on individual rights.