The six casinos in Maryland reported a total revenue of $170 million from slot machines and table games in May, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming agency. That’s a 3.7% decline compared to the same month last year and a slight drop from the $172.2 million reported in April. This marks another instance of declining revenues in Maryland’s gaming sector, a trend that’s drawn attention from analysts and stakeholders alike.
In This News
MGM National Harbor’s Performance
MGM National Harbor continues to lead the Maryland casino market, yet its revenue hit $70 million in May, reflecting a 7.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The decline at MGM is notable and aligns with what analysts predicted, given current market pressures. Following MGM, Live! Casino & Hotel reported $62.2 million in revenue, a drop of 2.7% year-on-year. A representative from MGM, who asked not to be named, commented that fluctuating revenue numbers are not unusual post-pandemic as consumer patterns continue to adjust. Still, industry insiders noted that these dips, while significant, may not pose a long-term concern if new gaming options are introduced.
Mixed Results Among Smaller Casinos
Horseshoe Casino bucked the downward trend slightly with a revenue increase of 2.3%, bringing in $15.6 million. Ocean Downs Casino saw an even more strong performance with a 7.3% rise, totaling $9.4 million for the month. Meanwhile, Hollywood Casino reported $8 million, down 3.8%. Rocky Gap Casino managed a modest 1.8% increase, reaching $5 million. A spokesperson for Horseshoe Casino highlighted their recent marketing campaigns as a possible factor for the slight uptick in revenue. Still, what’s unclear is whether these campaigns will continue to yield positive results in the coming months.
Broader Economic and Regulatory Context
Casino gaming contributions to the state totaled $75.1 million in May, marking a 1.3% decrease from the same month in 2025. Of this, $54.1 million was allocated to the Education Trust Fund—down 1.4%. Still, this decline comes at a time when gambling revenues across the U.S. have shown mixed results, with several states reporting downturns in casino earnings. It’s a pattern regulators have flagged before, attributing it to a combination of increased competition from other forms of gambling and changing consumer preferences.
Future Projections and Potential Recovery
Through the first 11 months of fiscal year 2026, Maryland’s casino gaming revenue reached $1.8 billion, a 1.6% reduction compared to the same period in the previous year. There’s cautious optimism about a potential recovery if the industry can adapt to shifts in consumer behavior. Industry experts are closely watching Maryland’s casino sector for any signs of a rebound. The next round of revenue reports will be critical in assessing whether May’s figures indicate a more prolonged downturn or a temporary setback. As for the state’s regulatory body, it will be interesting to see if they’ll propose any changes aiming to mitigate these financial declines.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
