The casino industry in the Old Line State has seen some strong months in the past, but recently, Maryland casinos saw some sagging in the late summer of this year. Per a recent report, Maryland’s six casinos brought in $170.3 million last month from slots and table games, down $3.7 million from August 2024. The 2.1% decline marks another month where state gaming venues fell short of their previous year totals. Half the casinos posted revenue gains compared to late August, but losses at the other three properties pulled the statewide number down. Additionally, the results show an industry that faces uneven performance across different markets and regions. Today’s players shop around more for better odds, which has led to an increase in high RTP slots that return more money to gamblers. Players also now research return rates before they pick which games to play.
For this report, SBS will be going over the latest gaming updates coming from the Old Line State, along with some additional notes and info you can find only at SBS.
Noted in the same report, the state took in $72.8 million from casino taxes and fees during August. Of that amount, $52.4 million went to the Education Trust Fund, down $698,000 from last year. Maryland schools count on these dollars to build new facilities and pay for classroom supplies. Moreover, slot machines generated $118.2 million of the total revenue, while table games accounted for $52 million. Both types of games saw their numbers drop from the same month last year, though slots performed better than card games and dice tables. The August drop follows July’s revenue decline, which also came in below 2024 figures. Through August, the first two months of Maryland’s fiscal year that started July 1st, casinos have generated $336 million. That total trails the same period last year by 2.3%.
Also covered in the article, industry analysts say revenue swings are normal in the casino business. Tourist traffic changes with the seasons, and people prefer outdoor activities when the weather gets warm. Plus, economic worries make some folks cut back on entertainment spending. Additionally, the casinos serve very different crowds depending on where they are. For instance, a casino near Baltimore draws office workers and city residents, but a rural property might see more local retirees and weekend visitors. Competition varies too, with urban venues that battle shopping centers and sports bars, while country casinos compete with local restaurants and community events. Maryland operates six casinos owned by private companies, and some sit near big cities with hundreds of gaming machines, while others are tucked in small counties with fewer options. Finally, the report notes, every location runs slots and card games, but owners pick their games based on demand.
As noted in the same article, casino profits also pay for horse racing tracks, grants to small businesses owned by minorities, and extra money for counties that host the gambling halls. The cash gets spread around to help more than just the casinos, at least in Maryland. State regulators require monthly revenue reports, which are published online for public transparency. This data shows taxpayers how much money comes in and where it goes each month. Moreover, since casinos opened in 2010, they have funneled more than $6.4 billion into state programs, with the bulk earmarked for public education. Most of that has gone to schools, which used the money to build classrooms and hire teachers in every Maryland county. Also covered in the article, casinos make or lose money depending on a variety of things that change month to month.
For instance, bad weather keeps people home, big concerts pull crowds away from gambling, and when people worry about money, they spend less on “fun.” Indeed, with a dip in revenue in August, it is perhaps wise to consult historical trends in the state while also layering on additional information that showcases some different metrics. This includes things like upcoming events, holiday surges, etc., that show a larger picture of what can be anticipated in the state. Additionally, there is also the prospect of casino expansion in the Old Line State, and how online gaming in the country as a whole has influenced the ups and downs of domestic casinos in Maryland. The state has a lot to offer residents and has seen some strong months, so let’s see if it bounces back again.
Once you are all up to speed in relation to the latest gaming notes and information coming from the Old Line State, make sure to check out the excellent array of info for you only at SBS. Of course, for even more analysis on the state covered in this report, the Maryland sports betting guide has your back with all kinds of updates from the region and beyond. Moreover, for those interested and who qualify, the BetOnline sportsbook review rundown is an excellent resource to peruse. Here, you can learn more about BetOnline and if it might make sense for you and if you are eligible as well. Finally, for those on the go, the best betting apps breakdown is an excellent resource for mobile betting sites and how you can stay on top of the action on the go.
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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