Operating at 50% capacity, casino revenue increases 1% compared to September 2019
For the first time since their three-month shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland’s six casinos have produced a year-over-year increase in gaming revenue.
While COVID-19 restrictions continue to limit casinos to 50% of their capacity, September 2020 gaming revenues totaled $143,709,268, an increase of $1,486,131 (1%) compared to the September of 2019 total of $142,223,137. Four casinos saw increases from their September 2019 gaming revenues.
According to Maryland Lottery and Gaming:
Casino contributions to the state in September 2020 were $59,695,881, an increase of $469,679 (0.8%) compared to the $59,226,202 contributed to the state in September 2019.
Contributions to the Education Trust Fund (ETF) in September 2020 were $43,403,605 a decrease of $1,009,187 (-2.3%) compared to the $44,412,792 in ETF contributions from September 2019. Casino gaming revenues also support communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.
In 2018, Maryland voters approved an amendment to the State Constitution to safeguard State video lottery terminal revenues for education purposes. As described in the bill and the ballot question, the supplemental funding must total at least $125 million in fiscal 2020, $250 million in fiscal 2021, and $375 million in fiscal 2022.
In all subsequent years, 100% of the gaming revenues dedicated to public education must be used for supplemental funding.
Maryland has six privately owned casinos that offer both slot machines and table games: MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County; Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County; Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City; Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County; Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County; and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County.
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