It was a slow month for Maryland’s casino industry as April brought a dip in revenues that was felt statewide, a new state report notes. No location was spared, from the larger destinations in Anne Arundel and Prince George’s to the smaller properties in Allegany and Worcester. Visitors seemingly shifted their focus as the weather changed and other seasonal distractions rolled in, leaving casinos to face a quiet lull in foot traffic and wagers. The drop wasn’t dramatic but noticeable enough to spark conversations throughout the industry. MGM National Harbor, the state’s top-performing casino, pulled in $70.1 million, marking a notable decline from March. At Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland in Hanover, April saw revenue just under $58 million, while Horseshoe Casino Baltimore followed with a modest figure of $16.1 million.
For this article, SBS will review the latest Maryland news and notes, along with some additional thoughts from the Old Line State.
Why is this happening? The article asks and states that Maryland industry observers point to an underlying trend that has been forming over recent months. More Marylanders embrace digital entertainment at home as the convenience of online gaming continues to redefine the state’s gambling landscape. Growing chatter about online alternatives is becoming more consistent. Traditional casinos still enjoy steady customers, but the online alternatives have altered preferred destinations.
Managers and local employees have noted some subtle changes too. Weekday volumes at Maryland casinos have declined, the report notes, especially during afternoon hours. Even weekend nights have not returned to their pre-pandemic buzz. Some longtime patrons are still visiting, but not as frequently, opting for more budget-conscious trips or shorter stays. Still, state casino leadership has yet to sound the alarm.
Besides, state revenues from gambling only offer short-term relief, which is why many states have or are in the process of legalizing online platforms. These platforms could provide more revenue that offers more consistent budgetary relief. Additionally, the report notes, these kinds of seasonal shifts are not unusual. A dip in April does not necessarily set the rest of the year’s tone, especially following spring break and tax season.
Rounding out the list of casino revenue numbers, Hollywood Casino Perryville collected $6.5 million, Ocean Downs saw $6.3 million, and Rocky Gap Casino in Flintstone rounded things out with $5.5 million. All local casinos posted lower numbers compared to the previous month.
Per the same article, the summer months often bring fresh waves of tourism and local staycations, particularly for coastal spots like Ocean Downs. Still, the industry is adjusting. Promotions are being fine-tuned, with more targeted events and entertainment aimed at drawing back regulars. Some casinos have explored upgrades to their facilities, hoping that revamped gaming areas and fresh attractions might bring renewed interest. There’s also been a push to collaborate more closely with restaurants, hotels, and nearby attractions to package full experiences.
However, locals have mixed opinions in Southern Maryland. For some, the slowdown is just part of a natural rhythm, while others believe the current dip reflects broader behavioral changes, the report suggests. Entertainment budgets are also declining, with inflation remaining a local concern. Day trips and land-based casinos are not as viable as they were. There is also the ongoing evolution of what casino-goers expect. It’s not just about flashy slot machines and traditional social table games these days. Players look for more immersive experiences, including added services like live shows, dining, and spa amenities.
Tax revenues from casinos also saw a modest decline statewide, with Maryland gaming revenues having generated only $172 million in March 2025. Per the same report, the state relies on a portion of casino proceeds to support various public services. Continued performance remains an important part of the broader financial picture, even if taxable revenues from these establishments do not provide a comprehensive budget shift across the state.
However, it seems the industry is in a brief holding pattern for the moment. The weather is warming and tourist season is approaching, and there’s cautious optimism that May and June will re-stabilize business. Still, Maryland casino revenues slipped across the board, and state officials and operators will have to keep a close eye on the trends. Some local analysts have begun looking beyond the usual seasonal factors, which include things like an aging customer population base and diversified gaming options as noted above. Of course, having this conversation will be an ongoing battle that these operators will have to work with.
Once you are all up to speed regarding the latest gaming thoughts and updates coming from the Old Line State, make sure to, of course, peruse all of the excellent info for you at SBS. For even more analysis on this East Coast state, check out the Maryland sports betting guide, where you can see all of the latest gaming updates coming from the region and more. Conversely, for those who qualify, the VIP sports betting sites breakdown is an excellent page for higher-stakes wagering for those customers who are interested. Here you can learn more about the benefits of this outlet and more. Finally, a fantastic page that qualified patrons should always have bookmarked is the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown, which covers a variety of fantastic information on the site that qualified customers can use to their advantage.
About the Author
Chris Boline is a Reno-based business development professional and freelance sports writer with over a decade of experience covering the NBA G League, Los Angeles Chargers, and national football and basketball. His expertise spans the NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and motorsports, along with topical news, marketing, and promotional content. A proud University of Nevada graduate, Chris earned both his BS in Management & Economics (2015) and MBA (2023). He is active in the Reno community, serving on boards such as the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET, and the College of Business Alumni Association, where he was past president (2022–23). Notable honors include: - Two-time University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year honoree (2017, 2021) - 2021 NCET Professional Services Organization of the Year (with TAC) - 2016–17 Reno Bighorns MVP, awarded by the Sacramento Kings - Nevada Press Association Award for Best Sports Column (2015) - Former Editor-in-Chief of The Nevada Sagebrush Chris blends his passion for sports with a strong background in sales, marketing, and community engagement.
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