ANNAPOLIS — The future of gambling in Maryland has dominated the General Assembly unlike any issue this year. Lawmakers have pored over reams of documents and heard hours of testimony in weighing whether to bring a casino to the National Harbor and add table games to the current stock of the state’s casinos.
Not surprisingly, lobbyists have been there every step of the way.
Whether they’re walking the halls beneath the dome here or cramming into hearing rooms, you’re likely to run into a lobbyist or two — and odds are, they’re pushing for or against more gambling in Maryland.
“They’re like gnats,” said one legislative aide for a House member involved in many of the gambling hearings. “Just when you think you’ve gotten rid of one, here comes another one. It became surreal some time ago.”
An analysis first reported by the Baltimore Sun showed that each of the 10 highest-paid lobbyists in Annapolis are advocating for a group interested in the outcome of the bill — including four who used to work for Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr.
Those 10 lobbyists alone made just under $11 million last year, records show.
And the reason for the stockpile of professional persuaders on the casino issue? Big money is at stake.
According to estimates reviewed by lawmakers, a casino bill passed by the Senate would produce almost $900 million in revenue for gambling companies, while Maryland would see slightly more than $150 million.
The disparity between the money for the state and private companies has been the main sticking point for delegates in the House, who question the need for a casino in Prince George’s County.
A slim majority of Prince George’s County delegates favor a gambling bill that would allow a sixth Maryland casino in the county, as long as the investment in the facility’s construction closely matches the $1 billion destination casino proposed by County Executive Rushern Baker.
No matter what happens to the bill before the session ends Monday, the lobbyists will be walking away with hefty paydays.
“That’s the beauty of this business,” said one lobbyist making her final rounds with lawmakers before the holiday weekend. “Showing up isn’t half the battle — it’s the whole enchilada. Sure, we like to win; but regardless, we get paid.”
