Maryland Live! Casino Undergoes Expansion
HANOVER, Md. (WJZ) -- There are new attractions at Maryland Live! Casino. Wednesday, it got a lot bigger.
Adam May takes us on a tour and looks at the financial impact for the state.
Phase two means an additional 1,000 machines on the floor and now Maryland Live! is the third largest casino in the country. It was like the grand opening all over again.
"It's hectic and awesome, really," said Barbara Schmehl.
"I love it," said Ernie Nicholson. "I win all the time."
"You look behind me today, it's packed. It's packed. It's the middle of the week," said developer David Cordish.
Maryland Live! now brings in 75 percent of the state's gaming revenue--but it's too busy for some.
"I only played one machine and I went to play another and there's 10 people behind me," said Bob Mazzuca.
"We designed this facility to accommodate a lot of people. We expect it to be busy seven days a week," said managing partner Joe Weinberg.
Weinberg says revenues are on target.
"Over a million dollars a day to the state of Maryland in tax revenue so it's been a real success for us and the state," he said.
It's the biggest taxpayer in Maryland.
"As a Marylander, a family that's been here a long time, it makes me feel good," said one. "I hope they send it to education like it's supposed to."
"I've said for years they should have casinos because people go to surrounding states so why not keep the money here?" said another.
Not everyone comes here to gamble. Ram's Head is now open with live music on the stage and Monday Night Football on the big screen.
Another restaurant, The Prime Rib, opens this fall.
