Maryland state legislators won't have a chance to debate whether gambling should be expanded across the state because a working group hasn't been able to come to an agreement on the issue.
The group— which should have determined how the new casino tax revenue would be allotted— met for six hours in private Wednesday, The Daily Record reported. Without an agreement, it did not recommend a special session.
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In a statement released Wednesday, Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III said he was disappointed that the work group didn't reach a consensus.
"Fortunately, there is still time for them [to] come to an agreement and not leave 4,000 jobs and over $200 million in additional revenue for the Maryland Education Trust Fund on the table," Baker stated.
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Up for debate is and whether a sixth casino would be opened at the National Harbor in Prince George's County.
According to The Washington Post, some of the group agreed on parts of the plan, like adding blackjack and roulette in the five casinos already opened across the state.
However, three members did not want a sixth casino, the Post reported.
Last week at the National Harbor.
Baker added that he would like to give residents the opportunity to weigh in on the decision.
"This was about creating jobs and opportunity for our citizens in a time when good jobs are hard to find. The people of Maryland deserve a voice in this, and today’s events appear to have put their chance to be included in jeopardy," he added.
Read the full story in The Washington Post.
This post was updated.
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