Center Supports Rushern Baker Vegas-Style Venue at Nat'l Harbor

The Center supports Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) vision of a billion-dollar “high-end” casino at National Harbor. Baker believes it is a good way to generate jobs and draw gamblers from the District and Northern Virginia.  We do not see an environmental downside and our only hesitation was due to concern about the weaknesses of some people to abuse games of chance.

A bill that would allow a fullfledged casino in Prince George’s County and add Las Vegas-style table games at Maryland’s five other slots venues was approved Tuesday by the state Senate.  The Center supports the bill and we encourage the Maryland House to approve it.  The 35 to 11 vote sent the legislation to the House of Delegates.

National Harbor

The bill — which is expected to generate tens of millions of additional dollars in state and county tax revenue — would seek competitive bids for a facility in a western swath of Prince George’s.

The territory includes both National Harbor, the 300-acre mixed-use development on the banks of the Potomac River; and Rosecroft Raceway, the recently reopened harness racetrack in FortWashington.

Presumably, the 'high-end' casino would be located on the tract of land that runs parallel to the the Beltway at Indian Head Highway.

The Center was the only environmental group to support the original National Harbor development and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge replacement.