LIVING IN Los Angeles for close to eighteen years, one of my favorite flights for fun was to Las Vegas. Never much of a gambler, I loved the shows, but especially enjoyed the spas in whatever hotel I stayed. It’s just one reason if I lived in Maryland I’d vote yes on the gambling referendum.
I understand the complaint that the contract was “handed over to National Harbor with no intention of fair competition,” but anyone who has traveled there can see the obvious perfection of the site.
Maryland voters are split right now, but they shouldn’t be. Moralism is one thing, but at the expense of tax revenue and a tourism draw? It’s insane.
Casino giants are going all out and why shouldn’t they? Michael Dresser of Baltimore Sun has been covering this story extensively:
Estimates have varied as to how much revenue would be generated by a luxury casino at National Harbor. But there has been virtually unanimous agreement that the site would be a success in financial terms. Karmel said he could see it adding as much as $700 million in annual revenue for MGM.
MGM spokesman Gordon Absher emphasized the advantages a National Harbor casino would bring Maryland in jobs and education funding, the selling points in its ad campaign, but didn’t deny that the company stands to make a lot of money at the site. Absher said National Harbor may offer the best blend of geographic, infrastructure and branding advantages MGM has ever seen.
“National Harbor speaks for itself,” he said.
Both MGM and Caesars stand to gain from adding an attractive destination to further take advantage of their robust “players’ club” networks.
If we lived in Maryland, which we may some day, my husband and I would both vote yes. Mark lived in Las Vegas, Nevada close to all of his life and loved it. The two of us had many a wonderful night in Sin City, even if we don’t gamble.
National Harbor is a prime place for a casino. We’d cross the bridge a lot more often if a casino was there and I bet we’re not the only ones.
I am against it. That area of Maryland was hit hard during the crack epidemic during the late 1980′s and early 1990′s. Gambling is a tax on the poor. The gambling industry bank-rolled GOP candidates successfully in Maryland.
“Both Gov. Martin O’Malley and Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr. have bluntly acknowledged that gambling is a lousy way for governments to raise revenue. It disproportionately drains money from less-affluent classes who bet hoping for a statistically unlikely windfall.”
Washing ton Post – “Did casino donations drive Md. law?” http://tinyurl.com/996g92z
Also in the Washington Post – “Lobbying efforts in high gear over proposed Prince George’s casino” – http://tinyurl.com/7e8s5cw
Seriously, lobbying? Of course there is lobbying. Casino donations drive the law? So what?
Democrats should get a frickin’ clue and then they’d be bank-rolled, too. Half kidding on this, but lobbying is a way of politics.
Crack in Maryland in the 80s? I lived in New York & know all about it.
Casinos are GREAT fun, food is usually good and not all restaurants are expensive. Entertainment is usually top notch.
Tight-assed Democrats will likely kill it, but it’s DUMB, DUMB, DUMB.
I’m a teacher in suburban Maryland, and I am 100 percent for mjsmith. I’m glad you think Casinos are so much fun, Taylor- I imagine they are, for wealthy people with disposable income who want a night out with “top notch entertainment” and who then get to drive back to their cozy suburbs. But they breed crime, they produce crappy, low-paying jobs, and as mjsmith noted, they are a tax on the poor. They feed on the desperation and gullibility of the lower income groups and provide no benefits in return (just promises of benefits which never materialize, or if they do, don’t come close to outweighing the negatives.)
“Casino donations drive the law? So what?” Seriously? So it’s just fine with you if the County Executives, legislature, and police are corrupt as long as you can have a great night out with top-notch entertainment? Color me really, really disappointed.
I have no idea whom you’re calling wealthy, but I have to assume it’s not me, because if it is you’re uninformed.
I’m stunned you think lobbying for a casino, bank-rolling politicians is anything new. What do you think happens on every other bill? Lobbying is legal.
Lotteries are legal & people pour money into them, too.
There is also free entertainment in bars, besides the high end shows, at least with MGM there has been, Caesars, too. Hotel casinos would bring in conventions, all sorts of opportunities.
Casinos are good business. I’m surprised anyone would think I’d say otherwise.
Question 7 may go down because of Democrats, with Maryland strongly Democratic, but it would be a shame if that happens.
There are a lot of things that are Legal which aren’t good ideas, Taylor.
I get that you really like Casinos- three commercials (your original post and two replies) are more than enough. I get that you think Casinos are awesome as long as they are a convenient drive from your home. Get back to me when you are willing to see one built in your own backyard, ok?
Casinos are good business. They make some people a lot of money. They are crappy neighbors, and bad long-term investments. They provide low-paying jobs and lots of opportunities for people to become addicted to gambling and lose money they really can’t afford to lose (just like Lotteries, which you also approve of.)
But hey, they have great entertainment and you think they are a lot of fun- I get that. Again, let me know when you want one built in YOUR neighborhood. In the meantime, I’m voting No on Seven. Sorry to be such a buzzkill; I’m sure it’s going to pass anyway, so you won’t have to make that painfully long trip to West Virginia to see a show provided by the misery of others much longer.
I must admit that I had a great time in Las Vegas this past June. Saw David Copperfield and Cirque du Soleil “O”. I had great times at the clubs too. I thought it was wonderful to spend time with my older brother too. I went for work because the HP Discover event was there. I met some of the smartest people on the planet.
I am still against Casino’s.
Taylor, in the 1980′s and early 1990′sWasshington DC was the Murder Capital year after year. THere were more murders in DC than any other city in the USA. It was just one area of DC, the part near the National Harbor. Prince George’s County, Maryland suffered just as bad too.
We’re not talking about the Las Vegas strip in National Harbor.
I lived in New York during rough days, late 70s-early 80s; check that moment in time out some time.
Makes no sense to stop it to me.