"What has been achieved here in two short years is pretty spectacular," General Manager Erin Chamberlin said. "Right now we are in a good rhythm and folks are pretty aware of us."
In April and May, all five Maryland casinos combined for more than $100 million in total revenue, with a record$104.4 million in May. In April, Horseshoe finally hit its desired $30 million revenue mark.
The increased revenue has allowed the casino to contribute about $22.8 million in city tax payments and local impact grants once paymnets are made for August, up 13 percent from the $20.2 million from the first year.
Of that, about $7.6 million has been contributed to the local impact grants, which helps grow businesses and neighborhoods near the casino, called the South Baltimore Gateway, as well as the area around Pimlico Race Course.
While the first year was used to get things operating smoothly, Chamberlin said in the second year the casino was able to focus in on what the guests want from their experience at Horseshoe.
Chamberlin was named the general manager of the Horseshoe Casino in November of last year following the departure of former GM Chad Barnhill around the same time.
"When you first open up in a brand new market, and this not an established gaming market, you are not really sure what guests are looking for," Chamberlin said. "But we have learned over time what customers prefer and we have tailored our marketing efforts to make us more successful."
Part of that marketing effort has been working with the the Baltimore Ravens, which play games next door at M&T Bank Stadium. The casino has worked with former players such as Ray Lewis for events and have set up tailgating for people going to games on Sundays.
The work with the Ravens is just part of the beginning of the revitalization and reinvestment in the Russell Street corridor. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake spoke at a news conference Wednesday to celebrate the casino's second year and said having a successful casino has helped Baltimore all around.
Along with the Horseshoe Casino, M&T Bank Stadium and Orioles Park at Camden Yards is the return of the historic Hammerjacks concert venue at 1300 Russell St., which is set to break ground this fall.
"It has been amazing to witness the transformation of Russell Street into a vibrant gateway that is drawing more people into our growing city and further showcases Baltimore as a world class city," Rawlings-Blake said.
The continued focus on guests' needs and the growth along Russell Street has Chamberlin anticipating a successful third year even as new competition in the form of MGM National Harbor is set to open by the end of the year.
By focusing on creating a bond with guests and continuing to grow the casino's offering, Chamberlin said she feels Horseshoe will be fine.
"We have to do some stuff on the relationships side and some stuff on the capital improvement side," she said.
Joshua covers hospitality, tourism, casinos and sports business.
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