Maryland: Allegany County approves $2.7 million in casino revenue allocations 

Allegany County fire and rescue services are set to receive up to nearly $866,000 as part of a $2.7 million allocation of gambling proceeds tied to video lottery terminals at Rocky Gap Casino, Resort & Golf.

The county commissioners on Thursday approved the funding plan, which is supported by a state-issued local impact grant and guided by recommendations from a local development council, Cumberland Times-News reported.

The council, required by the state, met on June 3 to determine how to distribute the county’s 5.5% share of casino revenue for fiscal year 2026. The 14-member council includes one senator, two delegates, a casino representative, seven local residents, and four business representatives.

County Administrator Jason Bennett said the council opted to keep the allocations largely consistent with previous years.

An initial $10,000 will go to fire companies in the immediate vicinity of Rocky Gap, with additional quarterly distributions based on emergency call response data from the resort. In total, about 40% of the county's casino revenue share—capped at $865,939—will be split among Allegany County fire and rescue companies, with oversight from the Allegany County Fire & Rescue Board.

Other community organizations will also benefit from the allocation. Twenty percent of the total proceeds will be directed toward municipalities and nonprofit organizations for capital projects, based on recommendations from the council. Bennett said these specific awards will be announced in the near future. 

Additionally, the Allegany College of Maryland Foundation will receive 17% of the funds, up to $360,000 per fiscal year, to provide scholarships for eligible Allegany County residents attending the college. The Frostburg State University Foundation will receive 9.25%, up to $200,000, for its own scholarship program.

Moreover, 4% of the funds, capped at $80,000, will go to the Allegany County PAYGO fund to help reduce future debt obligations, while another 4%, also up to $80,000, will support capital projects for the Allegany County Board of Education, with funding distributed on a project-by-project basis following commissioner approval.

Local law enforcement agencies will receive 2.25% of the total, up to $50,000, for safety equipment purchases, contingent upon council approval. The county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operation is slated to receive up to $250,000.

Additionally, Rocky Gap Casino will receive $100,000 to fund a transit service connecting the resort to Canal Place. Depending on the recipient, funds will be disbursed quarterly or through reimbursement.

The remaining funds, budgeted at $164,000, will be used for grants administered by the council to assist with flood response efforts, specifically targeting the Georges Creek area.