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Casino To Bring Almost 2,000 Jobs To Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Nearly 2,000 jobs are coming to Baltimore in 2014, courtesy of the Horseshoe Casino.

Monique Griego got the inside details of how you can get an upper hand when it comes to landing a position.

Tuesday, the casino announced it's teaming up with the city to do some heavy recruiting in Baltimore's neighborhoods.

In less than a year, construction crews have transformed what was once an empty lot along Russell Street into the beginnings of what will be the $442 million Horseshoe Casino.

"The excitement of the walls going up is fantastic but the reality of jobs coming to the city is what's most fantastic," said Chad Barnhill, Horseshoe Casino's general manager.

Before it can open later this year, the casino needs to fill around 1,700 full and part-time positions.

"They range from dealers to slot attendants to facilities to valet runners, food and beverage and even some back house office jobs," Barnhill said.

Casino leaders are joining with the city to recruit employees, starting with outreach programs in all of Baltimore's 14 districts.

"We're working with them to make sure Baltimore City residents get an edge, the opportunities, that they are ready and prepared," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

In order to give local candidates that edge, the casino and city are holding several two-day, six-hour sessions that they are calling Legendary Candidates Academy. People who attend these sessions will be given a special look during the hiring process. One was already held at the Harbel Community Organization.

"We had about 60 people and they will get, as the mayor said, first consideration," said Naomi Benyowitz, Harbel Community Organization.

City leaders hope getting the word out early means it will be locals coming to work here.

"They've been out of work; they want to get back into the workforce," Benyowitz said. "This is the way they support their families."

The construction at the casino is coming along. They say everything is on track for an August or September opening.

For more information on the recruitment programs, click here. To learn how you can apply for a job, click here.

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