Ocean Downs Casino is a racino at 10218 Racetrack Road in Berlin, a few miles from Ocean City on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It rates 4.0 from around 5,300 Google reviewers.
It combines a casino that opened in 2010 with a harness racetrack that dates to 1949. Churchill Downs owns it, though the company said in July 2026 that it is exploring a sale of its regional gaming properties, Ocean Downs included.
Setting expectations
Ocean Downs is a smaller, more relaxed casino than the big resorts on the western side of the Bay. It is a racino, so the track, the simulcast room and the gaming floor all share one campus, and the feel is closer to a regional casino than to a Las Vegas-style resort.
The seasonal pattern matters. This is beach country, so the casino gets busier in summer when Ocean City fills up, and it is calmer in the off-season. The ownership change is also worth knowing about: the Maryland Lottery and Gaming spokesman said the casino could keep operating while an ownership review is underway, so nothing should change for visitors right away.
What's on the floor
Slots. About 900 slot machines, according to recent reporting, covering the usual mix of video slots and classic reels.
Tables. About 17 table games, including blackjack, roulette and craps, plus electronic table games.
Racing and sports betting. Live harness racing runs seasonally, and simulcast racing is available year-round. A retail sportsbook has operated on the property, using self-service kiosks. Check the racing calendar before you go if the track is part of the plan.
The mix of racing and casino play is the main thing that sets Ocean Downs apart from the other Maryland casinos. Even if you never place a bet on a horse, the track gives the property a more open, outdoorsy feel than a casino housed entirely inside a building.
Dining
- The Playbook Sports Bar — a sports bar and restaurant that replaced the former Poseidon's Pub, where you can watch games and eat.
- Casual bars and snack options around the casino floor and the track.
The dining list is shorter than at the large Maryland resorts. Most visitors treat Ocean Downs as a casino stop with a meal attached, not a dinner destination, and the sports bar is the natural place to settle in during a big game or race.
Tips before you go
You must be 21 to gamble at Ocean Downs Casino.
Bring a photo ID, since staff check it on the way in. Plan around the season. Summer weekends are the busiest, and race days add to the crowd. Weekday afternoons are the easiest time to find a seat.
Check the racing schedule. Live harness racing is seasonal, so the track will not always be active when you arrive.
Combine it with a beach day. Many visitors come in the evening after a day in Ocean City, so allow time for traffic on US 50 in summer.
Because the property may change hands in the coming months, confirm details such as the loyalty program and restaurants before you plan around them.
Getting there
By car, Berlin is a few minutes from Ocean City, close to US 50. From Salisbury it is a short drive, and from Annapolis or Baltimore expect around two and a half to three hours, longer on summer weekends when beach traffic builds. Parking is on site.
Public transit is limited, so a car or rideshare is the practical choice.
Who it suits
Ocean Downs suits Eastern Shore residents, Ocean City vacationers who want a casino evening, and racing fans who want to combine a track visit with slots and tables.
It is a weaker fit if you want a hotel, a big poker room or a large restaurant list. If live poker is the draw, the larger casinos such as Live! and MGM National Harbor run full poker rooms. The larger casinos in the Baltimore and Washington area are better matches for those.
Nearby
Ocean Downs is the closest casino to Ocean City. Other Maryland casinos, such as Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, are a few hours away across the Bay Bridge, so most visitors treat Ocean Downs as the local option.
For every venue in the state, see all Maryland in-person casinos.
FAQ
Who owns Ocean Downs Casino?
Churchill Downs owns it. In July 2026 the company said it is exploring options to sell its regional gaming properties.
Is Ocean Downs a racetrack too?
Yes. The racetrack opened in 1949 and offers seasonal live harness racing and year-round simulcast racing.
How many slot machines does Ocean Downs have?
About 900 slots and 17 table games, according to recent reporting.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Ocean Downs Casino?
21, the same as every casino in Maryland.
Is Ocean Downs close to Ocean City?
Yes. It is in Berlin, a few miles from Ocean City.
Rather play from home? See our Maryland sweepstakes casino reviews.
Details checked against the venue's announcements and recent local reporting. Hours, restaurants and games change, so confirm before you go.
