ANNAPOLIS – Maryland’s Asian population would generate about one-quarter of the $245 million in local, first-year revenues from proposed casino games at Rosecroft Raceway, according to a consulting firm.
In a 70-page report, the Innovation Group detailed the demographics within a two-hour drive from Fort Washington’s Rosecroft Raceway and found 6.5 percent of the 8.8 million residents are of Asian descent.
“Special attention was given to the local Asian market, which is known to have a higher propensity for table game play and is expected to have a significant impact on market potential,” according to the study.
The firm targeted plans for the facility around the Asian market by adding two games — mini-baccarat and pai gow poker — that are particularly popular for Asians, according to studies on Macau, China, the highest-grossing gambling market in the world.
In Macau, baccarat accounted for 67 percent of total gambling revenue in 2007, according to Chinese revenue estimates.
The rest of the local population would generate $182 million with 1.6 million visits, according to the Innovation Group study. Half of the $182 million is expected to come from Virginia, one-quarter from the District and $30 million from Baltimore.
The average income surrounding Rosecroft — in a two-hour drive radius — is estimated at $90,000.
