One of the companies in the running to build a casino pledged to give its profits back to Prince George's County if it's granted a gaming license.
Penn National Gaming and the Hollywood Casino Resort at Rosecroft Raceway announced the proposal for the $700 million casino Monday.
Members of the Maryland Video Lottery Commission toured the location Monday, Prince George's County Bureau Chief Tracee Wilkins said. The harness racing track gets only a fraction of the business it used to, and Penn National bought it two years ago.
The company says $100 million between years two and 10 would distributed for the new Prince George's Hospital satellite neighborhood health care system, a $219 million contribution between years two and 15 would develop a retirement benefit plan for county educators, and $200,000 would be given each year to community organizations and non-profits in County Council District 8.
“I think our unique aspect of how we’re distributing the money is really the key the key selling point here in Prince George’s County,” Penn National President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Wilmott said. “So that’s why we feel good about the proposal and we feel it is going to provide the best return for Prince George’s County.”
Two other companies also have applied for the casino license -- Parx is proposing a casino for Indian Head Highway that would offer more land than the MGM site, and competitor MGM Resorts International unveiled their design for a proposed casino at National Harbor last month. The Maryland Video Lottery Commission will visit those locations later this week.
Maryland voters approved gambling expansion in November to allow table games and a casino in Prince George's County.
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County residents shared their opinions about the casino at a public hearing in Fort Washington Monday.
State officials have said they hope to designate the winner by the end of the year.
