A survey of residents contracted by the Washington D.C. Building Trades Council found residents were mostly positive about a proposed National Harbor Casino.
According to a telephone poll by the group OpinionWorks, a firm also contracted to conduct polls for the Baltimore Sun, 57 percent of those asked said they support the casino plan, and 29 percent said they oppose. OpinionWorks president Steve Raabe also noted that of those in favor of the plan, 38 percent told pollsters they felt "strong support."
Earlier this month, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker unveiled a plan for a major gambling and entertainment complex, to be built along the Beltway near National Harbor.
Baker's proposed plan called for a $1 billion entertainment center, which would involve gaming, convention facilities, and a hotel. He said the plan could create 5,000 jobs for the county.
However, before a plan could move forward, state lawmakers would have to pass legislation to allow casino gambling in Prince George's County.
The poll released Tuesday, paid for by an industry group in support of the casino development, seems to demonstrate an interest in the proposed project by area residents. The polling said 61 percent of African-Americans support Baker's plan. The poll also said 52 percent of those who attend church at least once a week support the plan, with 35 percent opposed.
