With Maryland’s six casinos closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 virus, total gaming revenues are down by nearly $372.5 million compared to last year, while casino contributions to the state are down more than $148.8 million.
The casinos were closed to the public at 12 a.m. on March 16 as part of Maryland’s effort to halt the spread of COVID-19. Each casino has developed a detailed plan for reopening, but a reopening date has not yet been determined.
Through the first 11 months of Fiscal Year 2020 (July 2019 through May 2020), Maryland’s casinos have generated $1,245,029,239 in gaming revenue. The total is $372,488,769 (-23.0%) less than the $1,617,518,008 generated through the first 11 months of FY2019.
Casino contributions to the state for the first 11 months of FY2020 are $514,549,290, a decrease of $148,818,204 (-22.4%) compared to the $663,367,494 in contributions during the first 11 months of FY2019.
Casino contributions to the Education Trust Fund for the first 11 months of FY2020 are $385,895,410, a decrease of $111,720,382 (-22.5%) compared to the $497,615,792 in ETF contributions during the first 11 months of FY2019.
A year ago, casino gaming revenues in May of 2019 were $152,275,799. Contributions to the state in that month totaled $63,655,376, including $47,747,479 for the Education Trust Fund. Casino gaming revenues also support communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, as well as Maryland’s horse racing industry.
“The casinos have worked diligently to create thorough reopening plans that cover everything from sanitation to social distancing and temperature screenings,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “When the casinos reopen, they likely will be limited to 25% to 50% of their capacity, and customers will notice many other changes, such as Plexiglass shields, to ensure social distancing. But we are confident they’ll be ready to operate safely and effectively.”
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.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming is responsible for oversight of the state’s casinos. In this role, the agency provides direction and guidance to its casino partners on financial, security, regulatory and licensing procedures for the facilities. To keep Marylanders informed and to maintain transparency of casino operations, monthly financial reports are posted on mdgaming.com. Maryland Lottery and Gaming reminds players to play responsibly and within their budget; resources are available at mdgamblinghelp.org or by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.