Work Group To Hash Out Prince George's Casino Proposal

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has named members of a group that will examine the expansion of gaming in the state. The work of this group could lead to another special session of the General Assembly in July.

During the regular session of the General Assembly, the Senate passed a bill that would allow table games like blackjack and roulette at Maryland casinos. The measure also called for a sixth casino, to be constructed in Prince George's County, but concerns over that proposal stopped the bill in the House. 

Lawmakers from Baltimore and Anne Arundel County worry such a facility, which would likely be built at National Harbor, would hurt business at casinos in their districts. 

The work group is made up of members of the O'Malley administration and six members of the General Assembly, all of whom are Democrats. None of the full members of the gambling work group are from Prince George's County, although the two alternates are.

Depending on the group's findings, a second special session would occur the week of July 9.

Members of the panel are as follows, via the Baltimore Sun: 

• John Morton III, chairman of the Maryland Stadium Authority, chair
• T. Eloise Foster, Maryland Budget Secretary 
• Matthew Gallagher, O'Malley's Chief of staff  
• Jeanne Hitchcock, O'Malley's appointments secretary 
• Joseph Bryce, O'Malley's chief legislative aide 
• Sen. Edward J. Kasemeyer (D-Howard County)
• Sen. Nathaniel McFadden (D-Baltimore)
• Sen. Richard Madaleno (D-Montgomery County)
• Del. Sheila Hixson of (D-Montgomery County)
• Del. Peter Hammen of (D-Baltimore) 
• Del. Frank Turner of (D-Howard County)
• Sen. Douglas Peters (D-Prince George's County) **Alternate
• Del. Dereck Davis (D-Prince George's County) **Alternate