Maryland’s six casinos generated $159.5 million in revenue during September 2024, marking a 2.8% increase from the same period last year. The growth represents a rise of $4.4 million compared to September 2023, according to data released by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency.

The increase in gaming revenue also brought a corresponding rise in contributions to the state. During September 2024, Maryland received $68.7 million from casino gaming, an increase of $2.3 million, or 3.4%, compared to September 2023. A substantial portion of these funds—$49.5 million—was directed to the state’s Education Trust Fund, which saw a 3.5% increase in contributions compared to the previous year.

Casino gaming revenues not only benefit the Education Trust Fund but also provide support to the communities where casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

Casino-by-Casino Performance

The six privately owned casinos in Maryland offer a mix of slot machines and table games, with varying levels of performance across the facilities. Here is a breakdown of their revenues for September 2024:

• MGM National Harbor (Prince George’s County): With 2,287 slot machines and 212 table games, MGM National Harbor recorded $66.95 million in revenue, an 8% increase from September 2023. The casino saw the largest growth in revenue among the six casinos, up by $4.98 million from the previous year.
• Live! Casino & Hotel (Anne Arundel County): Live! Casino, operating 3,873 slot machines and 179 table games, earned $59.6 million in September 2024, up 2% from the previous year. The casino’s revenue grew by $1.18 million.
• Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (Baltimore City): Horseshoe Casino’s performance dipped with $13.12 million in revenue, a 9.2% decrease from September 2023. The facility, which houses 1,344 slot machines and 115 table games, saw its revenue drop by $1.33 million.
• Ocean Downs Casino (Worcester County): This smaller casino, with 866 slot machines and 19 table games, saw a modest 0.3% increase in revenue. Ocean Downs generated $8.76 million in September 2024, just $24,564 more than September 2023.
• Hollywood Casino Perryville (Cecil County): Hollywood Casino, which has 731 slot machines and 23 table games, experienced a slight decline of 0.9%. The casino brought in $6.66 million, $62,405 less than the previous year.
• Rocky Gap Casino Resort (Allegany County): With 629 slot machines and 16 table games, Rocky Gap Casino earned $4.42 million, down 8% from September 2023. This decrease represented a drop of $382,885.

State Contributions and Economic Impact

The $159.5 million in gaming revenue led to $68.7 million in state contributions in September 2024. These funds, primarily directed toward the Education Trust Fund, are a critical part of Maryland’s funding for public schools. The $49.5 million allocated to the Trust Fund in September was an increase of $1.68 million compared to September 2023.

Additionally, casino revenues continue to support various local and state initiatives. In addition to aiding the state’s educational infrastructure, these funds are used to back Maryland’s horse racing industry, local communities around the casinos, and small businesses owned by minorities and women.

Future Outlook

With steady growth observed in Maryland’s casino industry, particularly at major venues such as MGM National Harbor and Live! Casino & Hotel, the state remains optimistic about the sector’s continued contribution to state finances. However, the performance of some casinos, like Horseshoe Casino and Rocky Gap Casino, highlights areas where improvements could be sought.

Maryland’s casino industry, comprising six privately owned facilities, continues to play a vital role in the state’s economy, providing not only entertainment but also significant financial support for public services and community programs.

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