Hollywood Casino Perryville

I cannot agree with letter writer Susan Beckwell of Bowie who suggested that we keep Maryland money in Maryland by approving a sixth casino at National Harbor which is being promoted by politicians from that area ("Question 7: Keep Maryland money in Maryland," Oct. 22). If one wants to really keep Maryland money in Maryland, then I strongly recommend that we build the other two casinos already approved in Baltimore City and at Rocky Gap to go along with Arundel Mills, Ocean Downs and Perryville and then see if a sixth one along the Potomac River is warranted..

Republicans in Maryland often wonder why they lose. The letter sent last week by Michael Steele and Audrey Scott to Maryland Republicans urging them to vote for expanded gambling is a perfect example of how the party solidifies its minority status. In it, the former Republican National Committee chairman and lieutenant governor and a former Maryland GOP chairwoman rally the troops for crony capitalism as if they were wearing Halloween masks of Senate President Mike Miller and Gov. Martin O'Malley.

Revenue at Maryland's three casinos reached nearly $42.9 million in September, down from $44.6 million the month before, according to figures released Friday by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. The results showed the continuing strength of Maryland Live Casino, which the agency said had $32 million in revenue last month, with an average daily take of $247.44 per slot machine. Maryland Live, which opened in June at Arundel Mills mall, had 3,717 machines for the first 11 days of September and increased that to 4,750 for the rest of the month.

Penn National has spent $13 million to defeat Question 7 and protect its gambling interests in Maryland. Now it may be abruptly altering its strategy. The Pennsylvania-based company, which owns Hollywood Casino Perryville, is in discussions with the Cordish Cos. about acquiring a 49 percent stake in the Maryland Live Casino, according to a state source familiar with details of the negotiations. The Washington Post first reported the talks on its Maryland Politics blog. Officials from Cordish Cos. could not be reached Tuesday.

Penn National Gaming will put its considerable resources behind a campaign to defeat gambling expansion, and is starting the effort Thursday with an "open letter" to Marylanders explaining their position. "We love it here and we're proud of our role and the facilities we own and operate here," says the letter that will be published in The Baltimore Sun Thursday. "We hope that it is never forgotten in the heat of a campaign when we'll be pointing out ways Maryland government can do it better than the way it has chosen.

A House subcommittee has voted to amend the governor's gambling bill to give larger guaranteed tax breaks to casino operators in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore and to allow a casino in Cecil County to apply for a tax break. Del. Frank Turner, the subcommittee chair, said lawmakers examined financial impact studies commissioned by the General Assembly and felt the casinos would need the help if the state allows a sixth casino to open. "We looked at the venues and how they'd be affected," Turner said.

Gov. Martin O'Malley acknowledged this morning there are divisions within the Senate Democratic caucus on his gambling expansion legislation, but said he is "confident" the measure will pass in both chambers. "We have to create jobs," O'Malley said. "This is about creating jobs and remaining competitive with other states. " The Senate is set to go into session in a few minutes so O'Malley's gambling bill can be introduced. A hearing is scheduled for this afternoon. The bill has been expected to sail through the chamber, though Republican leaders said this morning that some members of their caucus are re-thinking their position on the bill.

Harford County Executive David Craig says he wants the county to be considered as a future casino gambling site. Craig sent a letter Monday to the chairman of the governor's recently appointed work group to consider gaming expansion that was created in the wake of last month's Maryland General Assembly special session in an effort to break the logjam over passage of the state budget. The panel will be looking at possible future gaming sites beyond the five approved in 2008, as well as allowing table games in addition to slots.

The Maryland Lottery approved the operations license for the Maryland Live casino late Monday, allowing the slots facility to open its first phase at 10 p.m. Wednesday as scheduled. Stephen Martino, lottery director, signed the license for the casino, owned by the Baltimore-based Cordish Cos., lottery officials said. "The Maryland Lottery has reviewed thoroughly the operations of Maryland Live!, the training and quality of its staff, and their adherence to internal controls and policies," Martino said.