Gambling groups spend $18 million in Maryland ad war

Casino owners upped the ante this week in a high-stakes ad war over the expansion of gambling in Maryland, bringing total spending on both sides of the issue to a staggering $18 million.

Las Vegas casino giant MGM Resorts International dumped $3 million into the fight on Monday, bringing its total contributions to $8.4 million since late August, according to a report filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections on Tuesday. MGM has a deal with the developer of National Harbor to build the state’s sixth casino there if voters approve the gambling expansion, which also would allow table games and round-the-clock operation at all casinos.