The State of Maryland's gaming commission has granted a casino license to Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment Corp., the company announced this week. The license gives Caesars the green light to build a $310 million casino in downtown Baltimore.
Operated under the Harrah's name, the casino — technically a "video lottery terminal" (VLT) facility — is scheduled to open in spring 2014 and will include 3,750 slots as well as restaurants and retail. The two-story gaming venue will total 262,000 square feet.
"We are pleased to have been awarded the license to operate a VLT facility in Baltimore, and look forward to building a unique entertainment experience that will attract customers from across the country," said Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of Caesars Entertainment. "The development of Harrah's Baltimore is part of our plan to develop casinos in urban areas that integrate into and support the surrounding communities."
Meanwhile, Maryland's General Assembly is scheduled to vote next week on proposed legislation that would authorize table games at all Maryland casinos — including the new Harrah's in Baltimore. If passed, voters will have the opportunity to approve or reject the bill in November.
Continued Loveman, "If table games are approved by Maryland's General Assembly in a special session next week, it will add to the customer experiences the property will provide."
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