The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission announced in the recently ended fiscal year, revenue increased 3.5 percent to a record-breaking .1 billion. The total reflects revenue from the state’s six casinos and lottery games, and for the first time, casino contributions exceeded lottery profits.
The commission credits the new influx of money to the opening of the MGM National Harbor, which opened December 1, 2016 outside Washington, D.C. The previous record stood for four years.
In addition, the Maryland Lottery reached new heights for total sales, prizes to players, retailer commissions and instant ticket sales.
The fourth-largest contributor to the state, Maryland Lottery and Gaming money goes to the Maryland Education Trust Fund, public health and safety, small, minority and women-owned businesses, horseracing, veterans’ organizations and more.
On the flip side, Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling Executive Director Lori Rugle said the increase in gambling revenue comes with an increase in gamblers seeking help. “Well, we got a considerable increase, so we’re doing a statewide, all-year-long public awareness campaign this year. That’ll be starting in September.”
