“These are truly unprecedented times,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “The casinos generate vital revenue for the state, but we remain focused on the health and safety of the casinos’ patrons and employees as we plan for reopening.” “The casinos are working hard on preparations for reopening” said Medenica. “One advantage is that they already have extensive surveillance and security measures in place, which gives them unique capabilities for monitoring their patrons’ adherence to social distancing and other safety protocols.”

For immediate release

May 5, 2020

Contact:

Carole Bober Gentry

410-230-8725 (office)

410-365-6384 (cell)

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Closure of Maryland Casinos Reduces Revenues, Contributions to the State
 Maryland Lottery and Gaming working with casino operators to plan for reopening 

(Baltimore) – With Maryland’s casinos closed since mid-March due to the COVID-19 virus, Fiscal Year 2020 casino revenues and contributions to the state remained unchanged in April. All six 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.

Casino gaming revenues for April of 2019 were $145,236,133. Contributions to the state in that month were $60,237,473, including $45,205,542 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.

Through the first 10 months of Fiscal Year 2020 (July 2019 through April 2020), Maryland’s casinos have generated $1,245,029,239 in gaming revenue. The total is $220,212,971 (-15.0%) less than the $1,465,242,210 generated through the first 10 months of FY2019.

Casino contributions to the state for the first 10 months of FY2020 are $514,549,290, a decrease of $85,162,830 (-14.2%) compared to the $599,712,120 in contributions during the first 10 months of FY2019.

Casino contributions to the Education Trust Fund for the first 10 months of FY2020 are $385,895,410, a decrease of $63,972,903 (-14.2%) compared to the $449,868,313 in ETF contributions during the first 10 months of FY2019.

“These are truly unprecedented times,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “The casinos generate vital revenue for the state, but we remain focused on the health and safety of the casinos’ patrons and employees as we plan for reopening.”

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 currently working with the casino management teams to create detailed safety measures and cleaning protocols that, once approved, will be implemented when the casinos are permitted to reopen. While no timetable for reopening the casinos has been established, the plans being developed are focused on the safety of employees and patrons.

“The casinos are working hard on preparations for reopening” said Medenica. “One advantage is that they already have extensive surveillance and security measures in place, which gives them unique capabilities for monitoring their patrons’ adherence to social distancing and other safety protocols.”

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.

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Maryland Lottery and Gaming contributed a record $1.311 billion

to the State of Maryland in FY2019. Please play responsibly.