Maryland's casino revenue took a hit in March, when you put the numbers up against last March's totals, but some might call it an unfair comparison.
Maryland's six casinos recorded a total revenue of $172 million from slot machines and table games last month. It's a 3% decrease from the same month in 2024, which was one of the casinos' strongest months.
In March 2024, Maryland casinos registered their fifth-best monthly gaming revenue performance, coming in at $178,137,823, so it might not be a fair comparison for some.
Online Casino Legalization Still Being Discussed
The new figures come out as lawmakers still grapple with the thought of legalizing online casinos in Maryland, too. Lawmakers have been working on a framework since February, but this year's legislative session is about to end.
Although real money online casinos aren't available in Maryland yet, people can still have fun with the ever-growing popularity of social and sweepstakes casinos online. These sites let you play just for fun or buy in-game currency, such as gold coins, which you can use to win prizes.
Maryland Casino Revenue Performances March 2025
Here's a quick look at how Maryland’s individual casinos performed in March 2025:
MGM National Harbor
- Revenue: $70.4 million.
- Decrease: $4.7 million (6.2%) from March 2024
Live! Casino & Hotel
- Revenue: $63.8 million
- Decrease: $960,000 (1.5%) from March 2024
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore
- Revenue: $17.2 million
- Decrease: $70,000 (0.4%) from March 2024
Hollywood Casino Perryville
- Revenue: $8.2 million
- Decrease: $218,000 (2.6%) from March 2024
Ocean Downs Casino
- Revenue: $7.9 million
- Increase: $384,000 (5.1%) from March 2024
Rocky Gap Casino Resort
- Revenue: $4.5 million
- Decrease: $492,000 (9.8%) from March 2024
Overall, March 2025 was a challenging month for Maryland's gaming industry, with most casinos reporting lower revenues compared to the previous year. Despite the declines, the funds generated continue to play a crucial role in supporting educational initiatives and other state programs.
Contributions to The Old Line State
In March 2025, Maryland's casinos contributed a total of $74.6 million to the state, marking a 2.5% decrease from March 2024, when contributions were higher by $1.9 million.
Of this amount, approximately $53.8 million was allocated to the Education Trust Fund, reflecting a reduction of about $1.4 million or 2.5% from the previous year. The Maryland Education Trust Fund (ETF) is a special fund that doesn't expire and gets some of the money from casinos. Its job is to provide extra funding for public elementary and high schools, build and improve school buildings, and support early childhood education.
Beyond supporting education, casino revenues are vital in funding local communities, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and a variety of small businesses across the state.
