- If you’re looking for something other than table games at Live! Casino, there are more than 300 slot machines waiting.
- The Machine Gun Unleased and Buffalo Bounty slots are two of the best to grabs.
- There is also a High Limit area and electronic table game machines available.
While Marylanders voted down the idea of statewide commercial casinos in 2012, neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., moved forward with legislation to expand gambling options within their borders.
That left many local gamblers — including myself — frustrated that we were now surrounded by an expanded gaming landscape but unable to enjoy it because of Maryland’s outdated laws.
But all was not lost. In November 2014, voters approved a referendum to change that, paving the way for the Maryland General Assembly to pass enabling legislation.
Gov. Larry Hogan signed the bill legalizing table games and large-scale slot operations into law on April 20, 2016. And just over three years after I cast my “yes” vote, I found myself sitting at a Vegas-style slot machine at the new Live! Casino Baltimore (now known as Live! Casino & Hotel).
Situated on a prime waterfront site near Arundel Mills Mall, the property opened Sept. 29, 2018—the same day the first bottles of Maryland-approved table game chips went on sale.
I have been playing both slot machines and table games at Live! ever since, enjoying the convenience of a world-class casino less than 20 minutes from my home.
And while I still make the drive to Atlantic City and other regional casinos to write reviews, I no longer feel the need to make the trip as often. That’s because Live! consistently ranks among the top casinos in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Here’s a closer look at what awaits slot players at this spectacular gaming facility.
Getting Started At Live!
Anyone who has visited Las Vegas or Atlantic City understands that the primary attraction inside any modern casino is the bank of brightly lit slot machines lining the walls as you enter the facility.
And while Live! has plenty of dazzling table games inside its spacious poker room and on its vast open betting area, the casino starts with a bang thanks to its massive slot machine area.
Located beyond the main entrance and a row of upscale restaurants, the gaming floor features more than 3,500 slot machines spreading out across four interconnected sections.
Even though I have played slots at casinos around the country—and online—for more than 40 years, I still get that childlike feeling of excitement every time I walk through those doors.
The decorative ceiling above the central plaza dominated by a huge video screen giving constant updates on ongoing promotions and special events.
While most players move immediately toward the banks of the latest video slots filling the corners and walls of this large square, I prefer the rows of older-style machines situated along the walkways connecting these quadrants.
That’s where I discovered classic reel spinors such as the Addams Family machine that has provided hours of nostalgic fun—and a few big wins, too.
As with most casinos these days, most of the machines at Live! are digital video machines offering dozens of different games using coins, bills, or a hybrid ticket/coin system.
Denominations range from a penny up to $25, providing a wide range of choices for low-limit players like myself. But high rollers will find plenty of options in the Casino Floor High Limit Area.
We’ll discuss that section more later, including some of the must-play progressive jackpot slots found there.
First, here’s a quick look at two of my favorite non-progressive video slots you might want to try on your next visit.
Best Non-Progressive Slots At Live!
During a recent Wednesday afternoon visit, the hottest game in the place seemed to be a wheel of fortune–style Dream Wheel machine paying jackpots ranging from mini ($10.75) to honeygrand ($1,424).
A player celebrates a win on a Dream Wheel machine at Live! Casino & Hotel.
Someone had just won the honeygrand prize, sending clouds of celebration cigarette smoke wafting into the air as the cheering winner pumped his fist in triumph.
draft kings online casinoThere were several empty seats surrounding the winning machine, no doubt occupied just moments before by hopeful players enticed by the sound of cheers and clapping hands.
While I have nothing against wheel of fortune–style games—in fact, I have won hundreds of dollars in cash and credits on similar machines at various casinos—I walked past the Dream Wheels and headed to two of my personal favorites located nearby.
Machine Gun Unleased
Perhaps unsurprisingly for someone who began his journalism career covering the military, my first stop was at a row of Machine Gun Unleased machines.
This five-reel, 576 pay line game puts players in the middle of an intense firefight, complete with the sounds of heavy weapons fire and helicopters overhead.
But don’t let that scare you—or your significant other—into staying away. While the game’s graphics include images of grenades, ammunition boxes, rockets, and various caliber machine gun belts, there isn’t anything graphic about the action.
In fact, it’s pretty cool.
I consider this a medium-limit game, accepting bets from a minimum of 60 cents up to $60, making it a good fit for casual players like me.
While I have never won one of Machine Gun Unleased’ wild maxi stacks featuring 100 free plays during the Rattle the Cage bonus feature, I have hit smaller wins that kept me spinning for quite a while.
On this particular visit, I put $20 into the machine and turned it into $44—not a bad return for 20 minutes of entertainment. And I was sad when I cashed out and moved on to my second stop.
Buffalo Bounty
If you like buffalo hunts, you will love this high-energy slot machine set in the American west.
Buffalo Bounty features all of the elements you expect in a quality slot machine, including free spins, multipliers, stacked wild symbols, and random win wheels offering instant credit prizes or mystery features.
While the minimum bet of 80 cents may be higher than some games, that makes it an excellent choice for low-limit players wanting a chance at the maxi stacks of buffalo that fill the screens during the thrilling Stampede bonus round.
Hit the red button marked TURBO to speed up the action and watch as those buffalo charge across the screen while the slot calculates your win.
You’ll know you’ve hit the Stampede feature when the entire bank of five reels fills with charging bison. It’s pretty cool.
I love this game, but alas, Lady Luck was nowhere to be found during this visit. After putting $20 into the machine, I watched in dismay as my credit balance ticked back to zero in record time.
Time for plan B.
Try These Hot Games
Of course, what’s hot today might be ho-hum tomorrow. And slots are a completely random form of gambling.
Percy Jackson Gambling Theories That Deserve More RespectSo, it’s essential to remember that just because your favorite machine is not cooperating does not mean it is time to give up the ship.
Get up, stretch your legs, and go for a walk. I guarantee you will see numerous groups of people gathered around machines that just moments before were silent.
Head over to the Italian eateries in the center of the casino and grab a cannoli. You might just come back to a seat that is now filled with a winning player. Or maybe that seat will beckoning you to take its empty invitation to start spinning once more.
To help you decide which of those idle machines might be worth your time and money, here are a couple of other games you might want to try.
One final tip: Consider asking one of the many roaming cocktail waitstaff for a sample play of a game that catches your eye. I have done that numerous times and more than once discovered that a particular game wasn’t what I thought it was.
For example, I thought I was playing a wheel of fortune-style match-three game that awarded mystery prizes. What I didn’t realize was that the only way to win the maximum jackpot was to sink a hole-in-one on the virtual golf course displayed on the bonus screen.
Not gonna happen. I put $20 into that machine and ended the relationship quickly, thankful I learned the hard way rather than wasting a lot more greenbacks chasing an unreachable dream.
Dragon Spins
While I was disappointed to leave that Machine Gun Unleased machine without a victory, I was glad I hadn’t sunk a lot of money into it because that meant I could afford to play another of my favorite games, Dragon Spins.
This five-reel, 40-pay line machine is a medium-limit game taking bets from a minimum of 80 cents up to $80.
Dragon Spins is one of my favorites at Live!
It’s one of a group of linked machines vying for the Royal Progressive, which was nearing $30,000 on the day of my visit.
While I haven’t hit that big jackpot yet, I have had several lucky sessions on these machines, walking away with some decent wins and a lot of smiles on my face.
All the excitement takes place during bonus rounds triggered when three dragon egg symbols appear on the third reel coupled with any Golden dragon bonus symbol on reels two and four.
You’ll then get a chance to hatch one of three types of dragon eggs—green, blue, or gold—to determine the type of bonus feature activated.
Green dragons offer seven free spins with a starting multiplier of x1. With each subsequent win during the feature, the multiplier increases by x1 up to a max of x7. Not happening very often, but it does happen.
Blue dragons provide seven free spins with all wins paying on selective reels. During my only blue dragon experience, all of my wins paid on reels two, three, and four.
That made for some interesting watching as losing symbols disappeared from those three reels, leaving only the winning icons for the next jackpot. Believe it or not, I walked away from that bonus round with any money.
But hit the golden dragon feature, and things really get exciting. That activates the Super Spins feature, where a giant 3×3 golden dragon icon covers reels two, three, and four, triggering three free spins.
Any winning pay lines that result from those spins are added to the paytable, resulting in some hefty credits hitting your account.
Don’t worry if you don’t understand all of this. Just watch the machine’s video display as those dragons hatch and marvel at the animation displaying the various bonus features.
It’s great stuff.
Chocolate Bingo
What could be better than spinning the reels of a fun slot machine? How about playing two games simultaneously without paying for either one?
That’s what you get when you take a seat at a Double Down machine, which combines a five-reel game above a three-reel version of a classic fruit machine.
Both games feature wild symbols, bonus features, and multiple ways to win. And neither game is boring, even if you’re not winning much.
That’s because the action is always hopping, what with all of those reels spinning and dancing before your eyes.
There are several themed Double Down machines to choose from, including the retro Triple Gold Double Down and the chocolate-covered Chocolate Bingo favored by my wife, Sue.
While I don’t care much for the combined machines concept—I guess I prefer focusing on a single game—I do like the lower denomination bets required to play these machines.
Chocolate Bingo allows players to wager a single cent (minimum) to a dollar (maximum) per spin on the five-reel top game, which pays on 20 different pay lines.
Meanwhile, you are also playing a one-cent (minimum) to $3 (maximum) bet on the bottom bingo game, which offers some unique winning combinations sure to please bingo fans.
While I haven’t had any big wins on these machines, a nickel here and a dime there can add up over time. More importantly, Sue comes home smiling when she has had her fix of bingo and chocolate.
And that makes it a winner in my book.
Live! Casino & Resort Has Plenty of High Limit Action
While I tend to stick to the lower denomination slots, especially during a quick hourlong visit to Live!, the casino goes to great lengths to attract high rollers seeking more challenging games.
Designated as the Casino Floor High Limit Area, this exclusive section is accessible via an elegant archway covered with glass mosaic tiles depicting the state flower.
Here, you’ll find the newest and hottest progressive slot machines, including titles such as Wolf Peak, where your wins are multiplied based on the moon phase during your play.
Other popular progressives include China Shores, where players compete to increase the progressive jackpot by blowing on a gong, and the Dancing Gargoyle Progressive, which offers four potential jackpots—mini, minor, major, and grand.
In addition to the physical separation from the rest of the casino, the High Limit area provides a concierge dedicated to ensuring everything runs smoothly for these preferred customers.
A concierge tends to the needs of the high rollers in the High Limit section.
These designated hosts manage every aspect of the VIP experience, from procuring hard-to-get reservations at the upscale King David Restaurant to arranging limousine service and everything else imaginable.
While I have never needed that level of service, I appreciate having a real person I can contact when I have questions or concerns about my visits to Live!
Roulette Apps That Deserve a Spot in Your SmartphoneI once encountered a problem printing my slot vouchers at one of the kiosks and spent less than five minutes on the phone with a courteous and helpful concierge who rectified the situation without any fuss or delay.
Now that’s service!
Oh, yeah. The High Limit Area also includes plenty of machines willing to accept—and eagerly devour—large wads of paper currency or swipe an entire stack of shiny $100 chips.
I don’t consider my meager bankroll as anywhere close to high limit territory, but I like to think I graduate from the kiddie pool when my visit’s stake exceeds the $100 mark.
That puts me in the range of playing quarter, nickel, and ten-cent machines. For example, one of my favorites in this category is the whimsical Hong Kong Tower.
This 5-reel, 50-pay line machine features a gigantic 3-wheel bonus game that gives players a chance to win one of three progressive jackpots.
While I have never hit the Grand Jackpot (currently neared $22,000), I have come close enough to the Minor and Major jacks to keep coming back for more.
Another fun game in this range is Anubis Rising, a 5-line, 243-ways-to-win ancient Egypt-themed slot packed with multipliers, wild symbols, and free spins.
Notice the pile of $100 chip lying on the change tray of the Anubis Rising machine in the below image.
That’s not my luck; trust me.
Someone was doing a lot of high-stakes spinning on this popular machine just before I snapped this photo. Given the size of the chips going into the machine, I would classify this as a high-limit release.
Except for occasional trips to the Regionally Approved Table Games area to watch friends enjoy a game of Mississippi Stud or Let it Ride, I stick to the slots.
But I am familiar with most of the table games offered in that section, which also includes electronic versions of roulette, craps, and blackjack.
While I understand the appeal of testing your skills against a computerized simulation of these classic table games, I can’t bring myself to give a dealer’s shoe filled with computer-generated cards a single dime.
Then again, many people love these machines. So, what’s not to like?
Well, I do have one little complaint about the coin-operated machines scattered throughout the casino.
Remember those little plastic tubes filled with rolls of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters that slot players used to carry to the cashier cage to exchange for paper money or tickets?
Well, they don’t make those anymore.
Instead, players must feed dozens of coins into a concave plate located between each bank of machines to build up the credit necessary to start spinning.
I am old enough to remember when that concave plate was on every machine, which is why I always carry a few rolls of coins in my car. However, I forgot to transfer them from my truck to my pockets before heading to the casino on this particular visit.
Sigh. First, I missed winning the Stampede on the Buffalo Bounty machine, and now this. Still, there’s always the Italian market next door if I need more change.
Poker Room at Live! Casino & Hotel
Live!’s 20,000-square-foot poker room consistently ranks among the country’s biggest and best.
While I tend to avoid competitive situations that do not involve spinning reels and assorted symbols, I do enjoy a good game of poker now and then.
Fortunately, the 20,000-square-foot Live! Poker Room—which requires separate entry card for entry—ranks among the largest and best in the country, hosting daily and weekly tournaments, cash games, and satellite qualifiers for major events like the World Series of Poker.
They also offer beginner’s poker classes for folks like me who need a refresher course on the finer points of setting up the deck and figuring the hand rankings.
Even better, the non-smoking poker room shares a common ventilation system with the adjoining Poker Grill, an excellent spot to grab a burger, sandwich, or salad while inching your way to victory—or the bottom of your bankroll.
I have enjoyed a couple of pleasant sessions at the poker room’s friendly tables, cashing a few winning tickets and even finishing in the money in one of their low-level tourneys.
It was a cheap event, truth be told. Still, I did manage to parlay my initial $30 buy-in into a $75 win after several nerve-wracking hours of seeing way too many pre-flop fold outs and post-flop calls that left me chasing draws until a pair of queens on the river bailed me out.
Whew!
Enjoy Top-Notch Dining Options While You Play
No discussion of Live! Casino & Resort would be complete without a mention of the casino’s impressive collection of dining options.
I already mentioned the Italian market next to the casino, where I sometimes run errands and pop in for a freshly made espresso and cannoli when my wife is playing her slots or bingo.
But there is so much more. Here’s a quick rundown of the available dining opportunities, listed approximately from least expensive to insanely pricey:
- Phil’s Seafood – A raw bar and an extensive menu of seafood classics, steaks, sandwiches, salads, and desserts served in an open, industrial-style interior.
- Morty’s Deli – Traditional Jewish deli fare, including pastrami, corn beef, and brisket sandwiches, soups, salads, and sides served up in typical delicatessen style.
- The Poker Grill – Quick bites served up poolside alongside the non-smoking poker room.
- King David – Upscale fine dining in an intimate atmosphere serving contemporary Israeli cuisine with an international flair. This is a must-try venue for foodies.
- Ludwig’s – German comfort food and frosty beer served in a rustic tavern setting with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Big Daddy’s Pit Master – Barbecue lovers will swoon over this joint, which serves up a mess o’ southern-style ‘cue and all the fixin’s.
- GP restaurants – Short for “celebrity chef,” this series of restaurant stations spread out around the central food court features the signature dishes of well-known chefs such as Brian Malarkey, David Gutowski, Michael Mina, and more.
- DC Prime – An upscale steakhouse and bar offering dry-aged beef, seafood, creative appetizers and sides, and an award-winning wine list.
DC Prime is one of several high-end dining options at Live! Casino & Resort.
I have eaten at most of these venues and recommend them all. Okay, I draw the line at the $78 bone-in ribeye at DC Prime. Do you have any idea how many spins that money will buy?
Still, it’s nice to know the steak is there if my lady loves wants to celebrate a birthday or anniversary.
My usual hangout is Phil’s Seafood, where I recently enjoyed one of the best crab cakes I have tasted in years.
Nom, nom.
Final Advice When Visiting Live!
I hope this review provides some ideas for your next visit to Live! Baltimore. Whether you are an infrequent slot player like me or a high roller looking for the next big score, you are bound to find something you enjoy in this incredible casino.
My final advice?
Take advantage of every reward offered by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency’s MyMDlottery program.
Every dollar you wager on slot machines or video poker earns points and tier credits for advancing through the five membership levels. …well, almost every dollar.
Be sure to sign in at one of the self-service kiosks before beginning to play or use your phone to log in. …seriously, use your phone. Who carries a physical MyMDottery card these days?
I rarely carry my phone when I dash into the casino for a quick hour, but I always stop at a kiosk to sign in. Then I seldom cash vouchers; instead, I use my player’s card to accrue points directly to my account.
Why not take cashout vouchers home uncashed? Mainly because each voucher represents an opportunity to earn tier credits, and the number of points on each voucher counts toward reaching the next membership level.
Each tier comes with more significant rewards and better casino pricing. For example, on our last trip to the casino, Sue advanced from the Sapphire to the Emerald level solely on the points accumulated from vouchers previously cashed in at home.
Her immediate reward was a snazzy new MyMDottery card decorated with sparkling emeralds (mine still say sapphire).
Better yet, we learned that night that Emerald members receive complimentary valet parking. Yes, you must request the parking validation at the casino exit, but it’s worth the extra step. Especially since tips are not expected from comped parkers.
By the way, self-parking is always free at Live! If you don’t mind walking a few steps to reach the casino.
I could go on forever about the benefits of participating in the MyMDottery player rewards program. Still, the best advice I can offer is to learn all the details by visiting the official website.
Trust me: You will be glad you did.
Footnote:
- All photos by the author unless otherwise credited.
J. Patrick Ekeru is a retired college librarian who has been playing and analyzing slot and video poker machines for many years. Based in Catonsville, MD, just outside Baltimore, Pat enjoys visiting casinos in Maryland, Washington, DC., Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey although these days, he can usually be found at Tropicana Atlantic City. If he’s not sliding coin into a slot machine, he’s likely reading and writing slavebery stories or conducting research for his History of Salt and Pepper Shakers.
Pat is a retired college librarian who has been playing and analyzing slot and video poker machines for nearly four decades. Not many people can make that claim. When he isn’t sliding coins into slot machines, he writes slavebery stories and conducts research for his History of Salt & Pepper Shakers. You can follow his exploits here.
