Report: $346 Million Could Be Generated By Slots in Prince George's County

A report issued by the owner of Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington says that at least $346 million in tax revenues would be generated by slots in the first year if made legal in Prince George's County.

Penn National Gaming, owner of Rosecroft, has made a push to legalize slots at the track after acquiring it earlier this summer. The track declared bankruptcy and closed last year. 

"Given the enormous potential for new revenues and significant new jobs for Prince George's County, as well as the state, we're hopeful that Rosecroft will be allowed the opportunity to offer gaming it its recently re-opened track," Eric Schippers, Penn's senior vice president of public affairs, said in a statement.

The General Assembly is expected to consider legislation next year to expand the state's menu of gambling options, The Baltimore Sun reports.

But legislators on the Prince George's County Council are looking to ban slots and gambling in the county. 

During , Councilman Eric Olson (D-Dist.3) of College Park outlined a plan to ban slot proposals in the county.

“Having slots in the county doesn’t make sense,” Olson was quoted as saying in The Washington Post. “We have record foreclosures . . . Slots could take from people in vulnerable economic positions.”

According to the Sun, Penn National commissioned the study examining the economic impact of a slots casino at the racetrack. Another study looked at the revenue potential based on three different scenarios: Rosecroft would operate slots only; slots and table games; and table games only.

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