Maryland’s shiny new $1.4 billion casino in Prince George’s County is attracting a ton of gamblers or some people with really deep pockets, or possibly both.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming, overseer of all legal gambling in the state, reported today that MGM National Harbor raked in nearly $42 million in revenue last month. As a frame of reference, it nearly edged out longtime top-grossing Maryland Live Casino at Arundel Mills ($48 million for December) and made $12.2 million more than Horseshoe Casino here in Baltimore, despite operating for just three weeks.

There are two moral sides to gambling: It’s addictive to individuals and toxic to communities, or it’s fun, legal and great for raising money for public institutions like schools. If you’re in the latter camp (and believe the money actually makes it to the schools instead of being diverted to other sources), you’ll be thrilled to learn Maryland casinos last month drew $33.4 million for the state’s Education Trust Fund, which dedicates money to Maryland schools. About $12.6 million of that total came straight from MGM National Harbor.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE