PHOTO ALBUM: MGM Reveals Designs for National Harbor Casino in Prince George's County

After the grand spectacle of a special legislative session and referendum fight to approve gambling expansion in Maryland, MGM has now released renderings of what the National Harbor casino will look like:

PRESS RELEASE   MGM National Harbor Reveals Design Vision for
Proposed Prince George’s County Destination Resort

Resort architecture draws inspiration from local culture and history;
Creates iconic gateway to Maryland at National Harbor
NATIONAL HARBOR, MD, September 25, 2013 – MGM National Harbor, a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), today revealed architect’s renderings and detailed video animation of the company’s vision for the destination resort it plans to build in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

TV AD // Comptroller Peter Franchot: "I've Seen a Lot of Whoppers About Tax Policy, But Nothing Like Question 7"

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is turning up the rhetoric a few notches in the Question 7 battle. The 2014 gubernatorial candidate has been a strong opponent of the push for gambling expansion this year, and as a result he has landed himself in a few television advertisements. His latest scorching of the "vote for" Question 7 side is featured prominently in a new television ad urging a "vote against" Question 7. Watch below:

TODAY: Delegates Anne Kaiser & Heather Mizeur Debate MD Gambling // PLUS: New Poll Shows Question 7 Deadlock

ALSO: Delegate Kathleen Dumais Debates Leader of Marriage Equality Opposition

BALLOT QUESTION DEBATES: This afternoon MoCo residents can attend an interesting set of debates about two of Maryland's heated ballot question battles. The League of Women Voters of Maryland, The University of MD School of Public Policy, and The Norman and Florence Brody Public Policy Forum are hosting a faceoff between supporters and opponents of gambling expansion and marriage equality. Of note is what promises to be an interesting matchup between Delegates Anne Kaiser and Heather Mizeur on the gambling expansion debate (Question 7). The other debate features Del. Kathleen Dumais taking on the head of Maryland's anti-marriage equality campaign.  See the details below:

A Pro and Con Panel Discussion of Ballot Question 6 -- Civil Marriage Protection Act and Ballot Question 7 -- Gaming Expansion

Saturday, October 20, 2012
3:00 pm -- 5:00 pm 

Friendship Heights Village Center
4433 South Park Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Hourly parking (free on weekends) is available at the Courtyard Marriott open platform parking lot (4), accessed off of The Hills Plaza

Moderator: Douglas J. Besharov, Professor at UMD School of Public Policy

Civil Marriage Protection Act:

• For - Delegate Kathleen Dumais, MD House of Delegates since 2003
• Opposed - Derek McCoy, Executive Director of the Maryland    Marriage Alliance

Gaming Expansion:

• For - Delegate Anne Kaiser, MD House of Delegates since 2003
• Opposed - Delegate Heather Mizeur, MD House of Delegates since 2007

Sponsored by: The League of Women Voters of Maryland, The University of MD School of Public Policy, and The Norman and Florence Brody Public Policy Forum

NEW POLL SHOWS CLOSE RACE FOR GAMBLING EXPANSION - QUESTION 7: The Washington Post released results of a recent poll on Maryland gambling expansion. Their results show an extremely close race that is currently leaning against gambling expansion:

WASHINGTON POST: Maryland voters are sharply divided over a ballot proposal that would allow a Las Vegas-style casino in Prince George’s County, according to a Washington Post poll that shows widespread doubt that the measure would boost education funding as advertised.

Among likely voters, 46 percent say they favor Question 7, while 48 percent say they oppose the measure, which would also allow table games, such as blackjack and roulette, at the state’s five previously authorized slots sites.

SCANNED DOC: Lt. Gov. Michael Steele & Former GOP Chair Audrey Scott Endorse Maryland Gambling Effort (Question 7)

Yesterday, a Maryland Juice reader in Montgomery County received the direct mail letter below. The message comes from two prominent Republicans, former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele and former Maryland GOP Chair Audrey Scott. The letter claims credit for gambling in Maryland as a Republican effort: "Ten years ago, when gaming (slots) was first introduced to the State Capital by Governor Bob Ehrlich, we were enthusiastic supporters, as were most Republicans."

The "vote for" Question 7 endorsement from the Republicans comes on the heels of support from magician David Copperfield and boxer Oscar De La Hoya. Read the full letter below:

DIRECT MAIL: Lt. Gov. Michael Steele & Audrey Scott Endorse Gambling Expansion

TODAY'S MAIL: Gambling Expansion Supporters Argue Question 7 Protects Maryland's School Funding

MORE DIRECT MAIL ABOUT MARYLAND GAMBLING EXPANSION

A Maryland Juice reader forwarded us the latest direct mail piece in the state's casino wars. The mail piece below was received by a Montgomery County Democrat, and it argues that Maryland's gambling expansion plan (Question 7) protects school funding.

This defensive advertisement from Question 7 supporters is clearly intended to rebut recent arguments from gambling opponents that there are loopholes allowing casino revenues to be shifted away from schools.

You can see the new "vote for" Question 7 mail piece below, and a copy of the last "vote against" 7 piece at right.

Note that I live in Montgomery County, and my house only received the "vote against" piece.

Direct Mail from "Vote For" Question 7 Campaign - 10/16/12

GAMBLING UPDATE: Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett & Educators to Urge "Vote For" Question 7 Today

Maryland's gambling expansion boosters are holding a press conference this afternoon in Montgomery County. Executive Ike Leggett will be appearing with Delegate Bonnie Cullison and various educators to urge a "vote for" Question 7 (details below):

Press Release

MONTGOMERY COUNTY EDUCATORS JOIN 

GROWING COALITION OF SUPPORT FOR QUESTION 7

ROCKVILLE (Oct. 8, 2012) – The ‘Vote for 7’ campaign for Maryland Jobs and Schools announced it will hold a press conference tomorrow, October 9th at 4:00 p.m. with Montgomery County educators, legislators and business leaders on the benefits of Question 7 to Maryland schools.  According to the Department of Legislative Services, passage of Question 7 will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue to the Education Trust Fund.

Since its creation, the Education Trust Fund has already taken in $184 Million from gaming in Maryland. Through the addition of a new resort casino in Prince George’s County and adding table games like blackjack and poker to existing Maryland casinos, Question 7 would significantly increase the amount of money coming into the Education Trust Fund to help Maryland schools and Maryland children.

WHAT: Press conference on the benefits of Question 7 to Maryland schools

WHO:

• Isiah Leggett, Montgomery County Executive
• Bonnie L. Cullison, Maryland State Delegate, District 19, Montgomery County and former President, Montgomery County Education Association
• Larry Edmonds, Vice President for Legislation, The Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations
• Dr. Stewart L. Edelstein, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University System of Maryland and Executive Director, The Universities at Shady Grove
• Andrea Jolly, Executive Director, Rockville Chamber of Commerce

WHEN: Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
                                  
WHERE: University of Maryland at Shady Grove, Building 2, room 1042, Rockville, MD

To learn more about ‘Vote for 7’ and the effort to bring jobs and revenue back to Maryland, visit www.voteforseven.com or click here to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr.

Paid for by FOR Maryland Jobs & Schools, Inc., Tim O'Brien, Treasurer.

###

Gambling Opponents Paying People to Attend Rally // PLUS: MGM CEO Asks Maryland Customers to "Vote For" Question 7

QUESTION 7 OPPONENTS PAYING FOR RALLY ATTENDEES: Yesterday, an anonymous reader forwarded Maryland Juice evidence that interests who are pushing a "vote against" gambling expansion (Question 7) are paying people to attend a protest rally. They sent us a link to the following Craigslist ad:

Here's the text of the ad if you click on the link:

Rally participant/filler-1 hour paid gig (Upper Marlboro)

Date: 2012-09-30, 4:25PM EDT
Reply to this post CausesAreUs@gmail.com

"NO TO QUESTION 7" GRASSROOTS RALLY

One day, 1.5 hour project. You will be a rally participant. Duties are to stand in crowd, clap, cheer, hold a sign and be on time. Children are welcome. No further commitment. Payment at end of the rally.

Serious inquiries and candidates only. Referral bonus added to your pay if you refer others who sign up and participate or come as a group of 3 or more.

Tuesday October 2, 2012  9:15 am to 10:30 am in Upper Marlboro. Bus transportation provided from some areas.

Apply by Monday, October 1st until 11:00 pm at CausesAreUs@gmail.com.

Causes Are Us represents many non-profit, entertainment, political, community events and causes. To continue being contacted for short term opportunities, send your name, email, 2 phone numbers and general availability to CausesAreUs@gmail.com.
Location: Upper Marlboro

Compensation: $25-45 per person
PostingID: 3307205468

Notably, the date and time mentioned in the ad above do indeed coincide with a "No to Question 7" rally being advertised in Prince George's County. See the rally advertisement below:

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT COALITION

“NO TO QUESTION 7” GRASSROOTS

A PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COMMUNITY FAITH BASED INITIATIVE

4725 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland

240.350.4373

MEDIA ADVISORY
September 28, 2012
For Immediate Release

Contact: Melvin Forbes, President, Community Empowerment Coalition (CEC)

“No to Question 7” grassroots community rally press conference scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Tuesday October 2, 2012 at the County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, 20772-3050.

Free Bus transportation will be provided departing 8:30 a.m. from 4725 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland. To ride this bus to voice your opposition to “Question 7” please R.S.V.P. CEC at 240.350.4374 by 3:00 p.m. Sunday September 30, 2012.

The Washington Post's John Wagner beat me to the punch writing up this unusual twist in the Question 7 saga. He contacted the event organizers, but of course, nobody is taking responsibility for the ad (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: ...the organizers claimed to have nothing to do with the ad — and no one else exactly stepped forward to take responsibility either....

MGM ACTIVATES ITS EMAIL LIST OF CUSTOMERS IN MARYLAND: Meanwhile, Question 7 supporters are also pulling out all the stops to get gambling expansion approved in Maryland. A Maryland Juice reader who happens to be on casino company MGM's email list forwarded us the following email blast. Hat tip: @NextGenPersuade. Our source included the following comment: "Thought this would interest you -- MGM just blasted their loyalty club list re Question 7. I'm not at all an active member, either." See the message below:

From: MGM Resorts International <lasvegas@hotel.mgmresorts.com>
Date: Mon, Oct 1, 2012 at 9:52 PM
Subject: A Special Message from MGM CEO, Jim Murren

October 1, 2012

Dear Juice, 

Thank you for your continued patronage of MGM Resorts International destinations. I hope you are enjoying the benefits of our M life membership and taking full advantage of all that it offers. 

Our Maryland M life members have an opportunity this November. As you probably are aware, the Maryland Legislature passed a bill that placed a referendum question on the ballot that allows for a sixth gaming site in Prince George’s County and table games, such as poker and blackjack, at all Maryland facilities. 

I hope you will consider voting FOR Question 7 this November. Expanding Maryland’s gaming industry will create 2,000 construction jobs, 4,000 permanent jobs, and 6,000 combined tourism and table game jobs. It will also generate hundreds of millions for education and keep Maryland competitive with West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware -- each year, Maryland loses over $500 million dollars to these neighboring states. 

If Question 7 passes, MGM Resorts International would bid to bring a world class destination resort facility to Maryland. We want Marylanders to experience the same type of multi-faceted, destination resort you enjoy when visiting our luxury resorts in Las Vegas with four star hotels, top entertainment and dining offerings, luxurious spas and high end retail. We are prepared to submit a bid to develop an $800 million resort at National Harbor. We feel we would bring new depth to the state’s current gaming offerings, which would attract new customers. 

This is an important issue at an important time for Maryland. We believe so strongly in this opportunity that we are opening an office at National Harbor so we can meet with the community and help voters understand all that a MGM destination resort can offer. We also want Marylanders to know what a good community partner MGM Resorts can be. 

We also encourage you to visit the coalition website: FOR Maryland Jobs and Schools:www.voteforseven.com, or click here to follow the coalition on Facebook or on Twitter.

Thanks for your time and, again, thank you for being a valued member of M life. 

Sincerely, 


Jim Murren 
Chairman and CEO 
MGM Resorts International 

Authorized by FOR Maryland Jobs & Schools, Inc, Tim O'Brien, Treasurer.

 MORE ON THE QUESTION 7 BATTLE SOON!

DIRECT MAIL: Two Mail Pieces Arrive on Same Day Urging "Vote Against" Gambling Expansion // READ ONLINE

If you live in Maryland, you are surely noticing the barrage of gambling related advertising hitting the airwaves and mailboxes. Yesterday, Maryland Juice received two direct mail pieces arguing for a "vote against" Question 7 (gambling expansion). See the mailers below:
DIRECT MAIL: Vote No on Question 7 - "Unemployed"

DIRECT MAIL: Vote No on Question 7 - "Loophole"

VIDEOS: Out-of-State Casinos Launch War Over Gambling Expansion in Maryland // WATCH QUESTION 7 TV ADS

Maryland Juice has been following the heated debate over whether to expand gambling and add table games to Free State casinos. Indeed, this November Maryland voters will be asked to decide on the fate of gambling expansion through "Question 7" (a vote "FOR" would expand gambling, while a vote "AGAINST" would limit gambling to the currently approved slot machine sites). In an editorial piece, The Washington Post recently noted that the media war over the issue has already begun -- to the tune of millions of dollars in advertising by non-Maryland casino interests (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: A pitched TV ad war is underway in Maryland, pitting one out-of-state ­gaming-industry behemoth against another. At last count, the two firms had spent $15 million in the fight to influence voters, who will cast ballots in November on an expansion of gambling in Maryland that would authorize a sixth casino and add table games such as poker at all venues....

The main combatants — though the ads don’t name them — are Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts International and Pennsylvania-based Penn National Gaming. If voters approve the expansion, MGM has the inside track to build what could be an $800 million casino at National Harbor in Prince George’s County; unsurprisingly, it is behind the pro-expansion ads. Penn National is worried that the new casino would sap profits at its own marquee property 90 minutes away, Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, W.Va.; it has paid for the ads against expansion....

Copies of many of these advertisements are available online (Hat tip: Maryland's rightwing Monoblogue). I've included a few examples below, so that you can see what the propaganda looks like surrounding Question 7. The ads below are being promoted by the campaign websites for the casino operators (VoteForSeven.com and FactsOn7.com):

PRO-GAMBLING AD #1 URGING VOTE "FOR" QUESTION 7:

 
PRO-GAMBLING AD #2 URGING VOTE "FOR" QUESTION 7:

  ANTI-GAMBLING AD #1 URGING VOTE "AGAINST" QUESTION 7:        

GUEST POST: Del. Doyle Niemann Slams Veterans Hall Gaming Law // Prince George's Official Says Slots Will Spread in MD

Delegate Doyle Niemann

Today Delegate Doyle Niemann, a Prince George's County Democrat, provided Maryland Juice with a lengthy criticism of Maryland's new gambling expansion law. In particular, he condemns a new provision allowing slot machines at neighborhood veterans halls. We print his response below, along a little bit of background on the new controversy.

BACKGROUND: Last Friday, Maryland Juice reported on a small but significant change to the State's new gambling expansion law that would allow slot machines at "veterans halls" sprinkled throughout Maryland. We feared that this particular gambling expansion provision would lead to neighborhood slot machine sites in numerous residential neighborhoods. In fact, the way the newly passed law is structured, veterans halls would get to operate slot machines -- whether or not the November gambling expansion referendum passes. Our piece generated a response from Del. Eric Luedtke of Montgomery County and Fred Nordham from the Prince George's Commission for Veterans. Both readers strongly challenged our characterization of the "neighborhood slots" expansion and insisted that the machines were different from slots and could not be used by those who were not members of the veterans halls.

Slot Machines in College Park, Easton & Frederick? // New Gambling Law Puts Neighborhood Slots at Veterans Halls

DOUBLE-UPDATE: Delegate Doyle Neimann of Prince George's County has provided Maryland Juice with a rebuttal of some of the points raised below by Fred Nordham and Delegate Eric Luedtke.

UPDATE: A few knowledgeable readers have sent in clarifications about the workings of the veterans hall slot machines. The added details may remove a few worries about the new law. First, the veterans halls with slot machines are not exactly open to the public. VFW and American Legion members and their guests can gamble at the facilities, but they do not appear to be open to non-members. It is unclear whether this is stipulated in Maryland's new gambling law, or whether this is simply a fact of how the veterans halls are organized. Additionally, the slot machines in the veterans halls will look like slot machines, but the technology for them is a bit different.

Below you can see the clarifications Maryland Juice received from Delegate Eric Luedtke (District 14 Democrat) and Fred Nordhorn from the Prince George's County Commission for Veterans:

DELEGATE ERIC LUEDTKE: Slot machines have been authorized in veterans halls in most eastern shore counties (including Talbot Co., which includes Easton) for about 20 years, so your mentioning Easton in the title of your post is probably not on target. Most people don't know that, largely because these foreign legion and VFW posts are members-only, therefore not open to the general public, therefore not 'neighborhood slots parlors'.

WATCH ONLINE: Labor Union Runs Television & Radio Ads Supporting Casino at Prince George's County's National Harbor

Today several news outlets reported that some labor unions are running ads to support a proposed casino at the National Harbor site in Prince George's County, Maryland (see eg: Washington Post & Baltimore Sun coverage). The group, called Building Trades for National Harbor, is running a television spot in the Baltimore market and a radio ad in the Baltimore and Annapolis markets. Maryland Juice has obtained copies of both ads, which you can watch & listen to below:


Television Ad for Prince George's Casino




Radio Ad for Prince George's Casino

SOURCE: Tax Cut Plan for Maryland Casinos Caused Breakdown in Gambling Expansion Negotiations // A 2-Year Reprieve?

BREAKING: No Special Gambling Session // Workgroup Fails to Reach Deal on PG Casino, Table Games

A moment ago, The Real Prince George's blog reported that Maryland's special "gambling workgroup" failed to reach a deal to resolve several key issues (excerpt below):

REAL PG BLOG: ...After weeks of public and behind closed doors meetings, the commission has indeed failed to reach consensus on what plan could pass both houses....

A knowledgeable Maryland Juice source has verified this news and provides additional detail:

ANONYMOUS SOURCE: "Members of the workgroup from the House of Delegates weren't willing to decrease the taxes on casino owners...."

Ultimately, this raises the likelihood that further discussion on gaming expansion will be deferred for two years, as the issues (if agreed upon) will ultimately be put before voters in a referendum.

BACKGROUND: If you're just now tuning in to the gambling debate, here are a few details about what's going on. When the legislature ended its session this April, the Assembly punted a decision on how and whether to expand gambling in Maryland. They came back for a special session to deal with budget issues, but left undecided whether or not to hold a third special session to discuss expanding gambling.

Governor O'Malley subsequently created a special workgroup to debate gaming expansion in Maryland, and he indicated that he would not push for a third legislative session this year, unless the workgroup members were able to reach a deal. Some of the key points they were debating were:

1. Whether to allow Las Vegas-style table games at our five planned slot machine barns
2. Whether to add a sixth casino at Prince George's County's National Harbor site
3. Whether to give casino operators a larger share of slot machine revenue/cut their taxes

Notably, Maryland Juice reported last week that a Virginia anti-tax group sent direct mail attacking the idea of tax cuts for casinos. The piece was mailed across the state, and several legislators have reported receiving numerous calls and emails on the topic. A few politicos have theorized that rival casino operators may have financed the mail-piece, but we have no way of knowing that yet. But if that turns out to be true: well-played.