ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Senate president says he will kill any measure to allow table games at the state’s five casino sites if a sixth site in Prince George’s is not included in the legislation.
Del. Frank Turner, D-Prince George’s, has concerns about a Senate bill that would allow a casino in the county. As the head of the House subcommittee now in control of the legislation, Turner has suggested the bill may be stripped of the casino provision and simply expand gambling through table games at the five approved sites.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.’s response? “No. It’s not acceptable at all.”
Miller has tied the fate of the casino to table games in an effort to have a casino along the Potomac River, where sites at National Harbor or Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington would attract gamblers from Virginia and the District.
“Anyone that understands money and fiscal common sense has got to recognize that this is a great site,” Miller said.
A subcommittee vote on the gambling bill is expected on Friday. Other delegates are working to ensure the legislation allows for a Las Vegas-style casino envisioned by County Executive Rushern Baker, and agree with Miller that the fate of the casino license and table games are irrevocably tied together.
“I am confident that without a sixth casino site a table games bill would not pass the General Assembly,” said Del. Justin Ross, D-Prince George’s.
