Gaming revenue up from last year at Berlin's Ocean Downs
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Ocean Downs Casino generated $7.66 million in gaming revenue this past October, up $713,393 or 10.3 percent from October 2020.
The 849-slot, 18-table casino off Route 589 in Berlin ranked fourth of Maryland’s six casinos in revenue, barely edging Hollywood Casino in Perryville by about $25,000.
All told, the six casinos generated $154.9 million during October, a total increase of 8.6 percent over October 2020. Noteworthy, though, is the fact that the casinos were limited to 50 percent capacity last year.
While Ocean Downs typically lags behind casinos in much more densely populated areas like Horseshoe in Baltimore and Live! in Anne Arundel County, a major revenue stream could be coming for Ocean Downs.
Last month, members of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission determined that Ocean Downs met the qualifications to obtain a sports wagering license. The decision officially launched an extensive application process with the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission, which is responsible for awarding the licenses.
Ocean Downs is seeking an A-2 sports wagering license, which casino officials have said will allow for on-site betting inside the casino building. Officials anticipate transitioning existing automated betting kiosks into sports wagering stations.
Ocean Downs and Hollywood Casino are two of 17 entities designated to conduct sports wagering operations, pending a review of their qualifications to receive licenses. Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, and MGM National Harbor in Forest Heights were also recently cleared to seek licenses.
Officials are unsure of when sports wagering will officially launch.
Ocean Downs General Manager Bobbi Sample declined to comment for this story.
