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Maryland County Debates Gambling

OXON HILL, Maryland – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "If you look closely from the banks of the Potomac River here, past bulldozers and earth movers on ground that has been scraped bare, you can see the distinctive profile of the Washington Monument rising in the distance.

"Some say this site in southern Prince George's County -- where an ambitious $2 billion waterfront hotel, shopping and entertainment complex known as National Harbor is planned -- would be a fine site for a casino-style gambling venue; others find that idea appalling.

"The developers say only that they are monitoring developments in Annapolis and won't say whether they are interested in casino-style gambling. But key Prince George's legislative leaders say they would prefer to have gambling at National Harbor rather than at nearby Rosecroft Raceway, another potential site.

"A bonanza awaits whoever gets a gambling license in southern Prince George's, gambling experts say, because it's close to Washington and its Virginia suburbs.

"…The deep divisions in Prince George's were reflected in Friday's Senate vote to approve the governor's slots proposal and send it on to the House of Delegates. The county's eight senators split evenly.

"…Jim Estepp, president of the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable, said that growing, vocal opposition to the slots proposal is causing heartburn among county political figures who are striving to stay on the right side of their constituents.

"… The debate about expanding gambling in Prince George's is clouded in part because of a strong push by some political figures to move from slots-only establishments to full 'destination resort casinos' -- with table games such as blackjack, craps and roulette…"

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