Player files $3 million lawsuit against Horseshoe Baltimore, Caesars over alleged unlawful detention

Jordan Kerr, a skilled blackjack player from North Haven, Connecticut, has filed a lawsuit against Horseshoe Baltimore and its parent company, Caesars Entertainment, alleging unlawful detention during an incident at the casino in October 2024.

The legal action, initially brought in Baltimore City Circuit Court and now moved to Maryland’s federal District Court, seeks $3 million in damages for false imprisonment and battery. 

According to court documents, Kerr was gambling at the casino’s blackjack tables in the early hours of October 18 when a shift supervisor approached him and requested identification. Kerr declined, citing his right to anonymity, and chose to leave the premises.

On his way to the exit, Kerr alleges he was surrounded by casino security and informed he was being detained. 

The lawsuit claims that Horseshoe security personnel, including a special police officer, threatened to arrest and handcuff Kerr if he did not comply with their demand to accompany them to a back room. Under duress, Kerr agreed and was held there for approximately 15 minutes while awaiting the arrival of Baltimore City Police, who never showed up. 

Kerr’s lawsuit asserts that he was released after being read the casino’s trespassing policy and told he was free to go. He contends that the detention was baseless and caused him significant emotional distress.

“Kerr did not do anything wrong or illegal to justify being detained against his will and deprived of his liberty by Horseshoe Casino and its personnel,” the complaint states. The lawsuit further alleges that Kerr suffered “mental anguish, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of sleep” due to the incident.

In 2018, he filed a similar lawsuit against Harrah’s New Orleans, accusing the property of false imprisonment and other grievances. That case was settled out of court. 

Kerr, who identifies as an “advantage player,” is known for his card-counting skills, a legal but often frowned upon blackjack strategy. Casinos typically prohibit card counting and may ban players suspected of engaging in the practice.

On the night of the incident at Horseshoe Baltimore, Kerr states that he had been gambling for four hours and was losing when the confrontation occurred.

Horseshoe Baltimore and Caesars Entertainment have denied Kerr’s allegations, arguing there is no legal basis for his claims. Attorneys for the casino are seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed with prejudice, which would bar Kerr from re-filing the case. They have also requested that Kerr be held liable for the casino’s legal fees. 

Robert Leigh Hebb, a principal at Semmes, Bowen & Semmes, is representing Caesars and Horseshoe Baltimore, while Kerr’s legal counsel is Harris S. Ammerman.