A step in the right direction
MARYLAND Senate committee recently voted 10 to 2 to advance a bill that would give a casino the green-light for gamers in the area. It is set to make its dazzling home in Prince George’s County.
Supporters argue that a sixth gambling venue — particularly one well positioned to draw gamblers from Virginia and the District — would significantly boost revenue for Maryland and Prince George’s. Opponents have questioned whether Maryland should expand its fledgling gambling program before all five sites authorized by voters in 2008 are open.
The bill has drawn vocal opposition from the developers of a planned Anne Arundel County casino, which is expected to open in June and stands to lose significant market share. And several religious and community groups in Prince George’s are opposed.
“We’ve tried to satisfy as many people as we can with the bill,” Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters (D-Prince George’s), the lead sponsor of the bill, said after the committee vote. “We have to make our case on the floor in the next couple days and get it out of the Senate.”
In addition to boosting state education revenue, it is estimated by legislative analysts that a Prince George’s casino would generate about $25 million a year in gambling proceeds for the county.
The bill also boosts the share of slots proceeds that casino operators may keep — but not by as much as Baker has suggested would be necessary to finance the kind of “high-end” casino he envisions.
In a statement, Baker called the amended Senate bill “a step in the right direction” and said “we look forward to working with the House of Delegates on other elements of our proposal as the bill moves through the process.”
