Maryland reports gains for fourth month in a row

The five casinos generated $97.8 million during the month, their second-highest total. The record of $98.9 million was set in July 2015.

Each casino's revenue rose compared to March of last year. Horseshoe Casino Baltimore recorded the biggest growth— 11.9 percent — to $27.6 million of revenue.

Horseshoe received a boost last month from hosting a World Series of Poker circuit event, attracting players from around the country.

In a statement Tuesday, Horseshoe cited the event as a factor in its performance, calling it "market-exclusive." Horseshoe is able to use the World Series brand because it is owned by a division of Caesars, which acquired the series in 2004.

Revenue was up 5.2 percent to $54.6 million at Maryland Live, the state's largest casino, which has hosted an event on the competing World Poker Tour.

Revenue rose 8.1 percent, to $7.0 million, at Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County; increased by 6.3 percent, to $4.0 million, at Rocky Gap in Allegany County; and jumped 11.2 percent, to $4.4 million, at the slots-only Ocean Downs in Worcester County.

Casino analyst James Karmel said favorable economic conditions in the region have aided casinos by leaving residents with more disposable income.

"Our state has a lot of the right conditions," said Karmel, a history professor at Harford Community College. "There is a high median income per capita, a relatively stable economy connected to the government and contracting. And Maryland has a relatively high educational level, which is actually good for casinos."

Karmel also credited "the success of the casino marketing programs. They're able to retain Maryland players and possibly attract people from other states."

The last time the casinos' collective revenue was down was in November, when it dropped about half of 1 percent.

The casinos soon will face new competition from MGM National Harbor in Prince George's County, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

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