(9/5) Emmitsburg is a quintessential Maryland town famed for its picture-perfect scenery and storied past. It's probably one of the last places in the Old Line State that you'd think of when it comes to casino gaming.
Nevertheless, for citizens of Emmitsburg, it's worth noting that the lure of such entertainment options isn't as far away as you may think. Below, we'll explore the current state of casino gaming in Maryland, both on and offline, covering the closest venues to Emmitsburg-based residents. We'll also contrast it with the bustling scene in neighboring New Jersey.
Casino Gaming in Maryland
Maryland's casino industry has evolved substantially since the federal legalization of casino gaming in 2008. In fact, Maryland moved to quickly cement itself as a major player in the mid-Atlantic gaming scene.
Fast forward to the present day and there are now multiple casino venues open for business, offering a string of gaming options from classic table games like blackjack and poker to state-of-the-art slot machines and keno. Its online casino options remain very much in their infancy compared with other U.S. states, despite the legalization of sports betting in 2021. iGaming titles are still not permitted to Marylanders.
Comparing the Maryland Market to Neighboring New Jersey
Maryland's casino market pales into insignificance compared with neighboring New Jersey, which is often considered the gold standard for online and offline casino gaming. The Garden State voted to legalize iGaming way back in 2013, so it's been licensing and regulating online casino operators for more than a decade. According to this link, there are seven licensed iGaming platforms in NJ, which also include opportunities to play without making an upfront deposit.
The Closest Casino Venues to Emmitsburg
If you like the idea of visiting a brick-and-mortar casino venue for a session, there are a handful of resorts within a fair driving distance.
The closest is across the state lines into Pennsylvania at Pockets Gaming and Billiard Lounge. This is in the nearby town of Waynesboro, featuring a casino-style game room with slot machines, pool tables and a very relaxed vibe.
You can also get a Vegas-style experience within the state lines of Maryland by driving into Baltimore and heading over to Horseshoe Casino Baltimore. This is a 24/7 operation, so you can visit at your convenience. There's free Wi-Fi and a casual dress code, as well as two storeys of casino gaming floor, including slots, video poker, table games, as well as the state's only full-service Caesars Sportsbook. There's even a World Series of Poker (WSOP) branded poker room which runs cash games and tournaments throughout the week.
Head south-west of Emmitsburg to Charles Town and you'll also come across Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Located at Charles Town's bustling racetrack, the Hollywood Casino is another that's (almost) open 24/7. In terms of gaming options, there are more than 1,900 slot machines to sample, as well as classic and next-generation table games, a retail sportsbook and a live poker room. Of course, the on-site racetrack also holds appeal for horseracing fans, with Charles Town home to notable races like the Charles Town Classic and the West Virginia Breeders Classics.
Although Emmitsburg is by no means a casino hub, it's good for residents to know there is first-rate casino action accessible via nearby highways.
