The Maryland casino gaming industry supports small businesses, strengthens communities and provides good jobs that pave a path to the middle class, according to new American Gaming Association research released today at a Get to Know Gaming event at MGM National Harbor.

AGA’s newest report, Casinos & Communities: Maryland, offers a narrative look at the gaming industry’s economic and social contributions to communities in the Free State. The research couples key data on gaming’s economic impact—15,364 jobs supported and $713 million in wages generated annually—with testimonials from local business owners, nonprofits and elected officials about gaming’s positive impact in their communities.

“Maryland’s six casinos are driving tremendous opportunity for communities across the state. As a native Marylander, it is remarkable to see how fast this industry has grown and, at the same time, supported the communities where they operate,” said Bill Miller, president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association.

AGA’s Get to Know Gaming campaign engages local leaders in a discussion about the critical role gaming plays as a community partner. The event also kicked-off Responsible Gaming Education Week, taking place Sept. 15-21, with perspectives on responsible gaming programming and resources available to Maryland gaming operators, casino employees and patrons throughout the state.

“I’m pleased to be in Maryland today to kick off the 22^nd annual Responsible Gaming Education Week and highlight the state’s efforts in this essential area,” Miller added. “This week serves as an opportunity to highlight gaming’s unwavering commitment to responsible gaming and, importantly, promote transparency and gaming literacy to customers.”

Monday’s Get to Know Gaming roundtable panel included U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown (MD-04); Mary Drexler, program director at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gaming; Melonie Johnson, president and chief operating officer of MGM National Harbor; Bill Miller, AGA’s president and chief executive officer; and small-business owners William Parker of the Parker K-9 Group and Carla Truitt of Be Clean Cleaning Services, Inc. Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III moderated the discussion.

Background

• August 2019 was the fourth best month ever for gaming revenue for Maryland’s six casinos.
• The Greater Baltimore-Washington D.C. commercial gaming market is now the fourth largest in the United States.
• Gaming revenue in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. market has more than tripled since 2011, sparking economic growth that extends across the state of Maryland.

About Responsible Gaming Education Week

The American Gaming Association and its members prioritize responsible gaming as an integral part of our industry’s daily operations. Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW)—Sept. 15-21, 2019—provides an opportunity to showcase our dedication to responsible gaming programs. It also provides a specific opportunity to refresh employee training, promote transparency and gaming literacy to customers and work with community partners on advancing responsible gaming initiatives.