MGM Resorts donates $2.3 million in support of Maryland casino expansion

MGM Resorts International has donated $2.3 million to group that is supporting casino expansion in Maryland.

The casino operator, which wants to build a $700 million hotel-casino complex in suburban Maryland, donated the money to For Maryland Jobs and Schools.

Legislation to put the issue on the November ballot passed two weeks ago. The bill that was approved by Maryland lawmakers also required contributors to file campaign-finance statements for funding efforts to promote a Prince George’s casino.

MGM Resort’s proposed project at National Harbor would be roughly 10 miles from Washington D.C.

MGM Resorts spokesman Gordon Absher told the Maryland Gazette the company will support the measure because it would create thousands of jobs, generate millions for state schools, and keep the state’s gaming market competitive.

“It is our hope our contribution can serve to blunt some of the attacks funded by outside forces who apparently place their interests above Maryland jobs and schools,” Absher said. “We hope and expect that opponents will provide the same level of disclosure, as required by Maryland law.”