Jordan Kerr, a seasoned blackjack player from North Haven, Connecticut, is making headlines after filing a $3 million lawsuit against Horseshoe Baltimore and its parent company, Caesars Entertainment. The complaint stems from an alleged unlawful detention incident at the casino in October 2024, with Kerr seeking damages for false imprisonment and battery.
Incident at Horseshoe Baltimore: A Player’s Perspective
The lawsuit paints a tense picture of events on the morning of October 18, 2024. According to court documents, Kerr was engaged in a blackjack session when a casino shift supervisor approached and asked for identification. Citing his right to privacy, Kerr declined the request and decided to leave the premises.
As Kerr made his way toward the exit, he alleges that security personnel intercepted him. He was informed he was being detained, with threats of arrest and handcuffing unless he followed security to a back room. Feeling coerced, Kerr complied and claims he was held for about 15 minutes. Baltimore City Police were reportedly expected but never arrived, and Kerr was ultimately released after being briefed on the casino’s trespassing policy.
In his legal filing, Kerr claims the ordeal left him with lasting emotional scars. “Kerr did not do anything wrong or illegal to justify being detained against his will and deprived of his liberty,” the complaint states. The lawsuit also details the psychological toll, including anxiety, emotional distress, and sleeplessness, that Kerr attributes to the incident.
Legal Battle Heats Up
The case was initially filed in Baltimore City Circuit Court but has since moved to Maryland’s federal District Court. Kerr is seeking $3 million in damages for false imprisonment and battery, a significant escalation against Caesars Entertainment.
Horseshoe Baltimore and Caesars have vigorously denied the allegations, maintaining that the detention was lawful. Their legal team has called for the lawsuit to be dismissed with prejudice, which would prevent Kerr from re-filing the case. They are also pursuing reimbursement of legal fees from Kerr, signaling a contentious legal battle ahead.
Kerr’s legal representation is being handled by Harris S. Ammerman, while Caesars and Horseshoe Baltimore have enlisted Robert Leigh Hebb from Semmes, Bowen & Semmes.
History of Disputes with Casinos
This isn’t Kerr’s first legal dispute with a casino. In 2018, he filed a similar lawsuit against Harrah’s New Orleans, alleging false imprisonment and other grievances. That case ended in a private settlement, with the details undisclosed.
Kerr identifies as an “advantage player,” skilled in card counting—a legal yet controversial technique in blackjack. While not illegal, card counting often draws the ire of casinos, which reserve the right to ban suspected players. On the night of the Horseshoe Baltimore incident, Kerr claims he was losing at the tables after gambling for four hours, undermining any potential accusation of exploiting his card-counting skills.
What’s at Stake for Both Sides?
This case is about more than just the financial damages Kerr is seeking. It also raises questions about the balance between a casino’s security protocols and the rights of its patrons.
Casinos are known for their vigilant security measures, especially concerning suspected card counters or other perceived risks to their operations. Yet Kerr’s lawsuit argues that these measures went too far, infringing on his civil liberties and causing undue harm.
For Horseshoe Baltimore and Caesars Entertainment, the lawsuit presents reputational and legal challenges. A ruling against them could set a precedent, potentially inviting more litigation from players with similar grievances. On the other hand, a dismissal or victory in court would bolster their stance on security protocols.
Allegations vs. Casino Policies
The lawsuit underscores the fine line casinos must tread in enforcing their policies. Kerr’s experience highlights a potential overreach, where security measures intended to protect the business might infringe on individual freedoms.
A table summarising key claims and counterclaims from both sides:
| Aspect | Kerr’s Allegation | Casino’s Defence |
|---|---|---|
| Detention | Unlawful and coercive detention | Necessary action within legal boundaries |
| Emotional Impact | Caused significant mental anguish | Claims are unsubstantiated |
| Legal Basis | Detention lacked legal justification | Compliance with security protocols |
| Financial Impact | Seeks $3M in damages | Aims to dismiss with prejudice |
Broader Implications for Casinos and Players
This case sheds light on a broader issue: how casinos manage high-stakes interactions with skilled players like Kerr. While advantage players operate within the law, their strategies often test the limits of casino tolerance.
Casinos, in turn, must balance the need to protect their business interests with upholding the legal rights of their patrons. This case may shape how casinos handle such situations in the future, particularly in the context of evolving gambling regulations.
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