Committee presses agency for more transparency on multimillion‑dollar casino license renewals

Committee members told the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency they want more proactive notice and transparency around casino license renewals, saying those licenses can be worth hundreds of millions of dollars and deserve public visibility.

Director John Martin outlined the renewal framework: initial casino licenses were 15‑year terms, renewals occur on a rolling schedule based on opening dates, and the Commission must renew a license unless it finds the licensee no longer qualified under statute. "Under the current law, there is no provision or requirement to engage the public regarding the renewal process," Martin said.

Martin noted two recent renewals approved by the Commission — Hollywood Casino Perryville (approved 04/24/2025) and Ocean Downs (approved 05/22/2025) — and said four other properties that opened between 2012 and 2016 will come up for 15‑year renewals in the coming years. Committee members asked whether the agency could provide earlier notice to the legislature and public and whether other policy goals (for example, minority participation or local economic objectives) factor into renewal decisions.

Martin said the agency monitors minority business (MBE) metrics month to month and that some licensees provided minority equity plans at opening; he added that in several cases those initial minority equity stakes were later sold or acquired and are not currently in place. He said meaningful changes to public‑notice requirements would likely require legislative change, though the agency can consider additional ways to highlight pending renewals beyond posting public records.

Committee members said they would explore legislative options to require earlier notice or additional review criteria ahead of renewals. The hearing concluded with the agency agreeing to consider options to increase transparency and to continue monthly reporting on MBE metrics and related monitoring.