More Spent on Maryland Gambling Campaign Than Was Spent on 2012 Governor’s Race

Written by :

Ace King

Published on :

18 September, 2012

In total, casino operators and those opposed to development of a casino in Prince George’s County, Maryland, have spent a total of $19.4 million on the gambling expansion campaign.

Maryland residents are set to vote on this gambling expansion in November.

Amazingly, this campaign has managed to raise more money already than the 2010 Governor’s race, as Michael Dresser of the Baltimore Sun reports.

MGM, the prospective operator of a casino at National Harbor in Prince George's County, has ponied up $8.4 million in its battle for approval of Question 7. Penn National Gamingreported last week that it had raised $9.5 million for its campaign against Question 7, in which voters will decide whether to uphold the gambling expansion legislation passed during a special session of the General Assembly last month.

Also kicking in on the pro-casino side were Caesars Entertainment, with $1.25 million, and the Peterson Cos. with $400,000. An affiliate of Caesars has been awarded the license for a casino in Baltimore, while Peterson is the developer of National Harbor. Caesars is supporting the referendum because the legislation would give existing licensees, as well as a new Prince George's casino, permission to offer table games.

Dresser also noted that new disclosure reports show the amount of spending to influence the General Assembly during the special session brought in roughly $5 million.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com

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