Where to Play Blackjack in Maryland
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Without a doubt, blackjack is the most popular casino table game ever. Its ruleset is super simple to master, and it has the lowest house edge (0.5%) of all the casino classics if you know how to use proper strategy. Though the origins of this exciting gambling game are a bit muddy, card historians tell us that it likely made its way onto US soil in the early-1800s. Since 2008, you can also find it in Maryland casinos. Naturally, though, a more accessible option would be to enjoy live croupier blackjack online. However, if you are dead set on playing hands of twenty-one at a physical venue, taking in a real-world casino atmosphere with all its hustle and bustle, here are the best spots in Maryland to do so.
MGM National Harbor
Located on 101 MGM National Avenue in Oxon Hill, the MGM National Harbor is a vast resort complex that spans five city blocks. It contains a 24-floor four-and-a-half-star hotel, a 27,000 square foot spa/fitness center, an 18,000 square foot shopping area, and a 3,000 seat theater. The casino is 125,000 square feet, and it is home to more than 140 gaming tables, dozens of which are blackjack ones. They all utilize electronic shuffling machines, and most of them feature above-average betting limits. MGM National Harbor has several dining options, including Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse, Shake Shack, Ginger, Fish by José Andrés, Maryland Fry Bar, and National Market. Visit-worthy sights near this establishment are Oxon Hill Manor, the Capital Wheel, the Old Town Waterfront, and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum.
Hollywood Casino Perryville
Gaming and Leisure Properties owns and operates Hollywood Casino, which you can find at 1201 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy in Perryville, a short drive from the Baltimore metro area. It is a gambling establishment that opened its doors in 2010, boasting a 75,000 square feet casino floor. In it, you can find 13 gaming tables, including blackjack. Know that Hollywood Casino is open 24/7, 365 days out of the year. So, whenever you feel up to the challenge to test your luck against a dealer, it will greet you with arms wide open. Food options here are the Gree Turtle Express, Jumbo Jimmy’s Crab Shack, and Denny’s American Diner.
Unfortunately, there are no unique sights within walking distance of this venue. Nevertheless, if you do not mind driving ten minutes, you can check out the Concord Point Lighthouse, Susquehanna State Park, Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery, the Bainbridge museum, and the Plumpton Park Zoo.
Baltimore Horseshoe Casino
The Baltimore Horseshoe Casino is Maryland’s third-largest gambling spot, featuring a gaming floor that spans two stories and 122,000 square feet. Its location is on the south side of Baltimore, next to M&T Bank Stadium on Russel Street. The Horseshoe has 153 table games, and its blackjack ones feature insurance bets. Those who get hungry while playing here can hop on over to the Fú Noodle House, Gordon Ramsay Steak, Johnny Sánchez, Pie-Zetta, or Lenny’s Deli for a meal. For drinks, there is the 14Forty, the B’More Beers, and the TAG bar. Top attractions in the area include the Fort McHenry National Monument, Fell’s Point, the National Aquarium, and the Walters Art Museum.
Live! Casino
Opened in 2012 as the third full-scale casino in Maryland, Live! is an entertainment center located in the Arundel Mills district of Hanover. It has the largest gaming floor in the state, covering over 160,000 square feet, hosting more than 200 live tables. In addition to the casino, this resort also features a 350,000 square feet hotel and 1,500 seat concert venue. The resort’s management chose to incorporate a Prime Rib restaurant near its casino to add some Vegas flavor. In addition, it has a patio set for a relaxed atmosphere and a lounge one, which provides a more sophisticated setting with live entertainment. Other restaurants on the premises are Luckies, Bobby’s Burger Palace, Eight at Luk Fu, Morty’s Delicatessen, and Phillips Seafood Express. Medieval Times Maryland Castle is within walking distance of Live! Casino, and so is the largest outlet mall in Maryland, Arundel Mills.
Rocky Gap Casino
You can find the Rocky Gap Casino about 7 miles east of Cumberland, situated within the Rocky Gap State Park, which features an artificial lake. The Rocky Gap is a triple-A four-diamond resort with a 200-room hotel, a spa, and a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. The unique blackjack variants you can enjoy here are Lucky Ladies and Double Pitch. Food-wise, there is a Signatures Bar and Grill, a Little Munch Food & Drink restaurant, and LB’s Place for healthy dining. Unfortunately, given that this resort is smack dab in a state park, you cannot walk to any unique attractions. However, 6 miles away, you can find the C&O Canal National Historical Park and Museum, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and the Allegany Museum.
