Video by Annie Emberland/CNS-TV
The track emerged out of bankruptcy in February 2011 when Penn National Gaming bought the facility for $11 million. They reopened for simulcasting, which is currently their primary business, in August. Live racing returned, on a limited basis, in October.
Track officials say they support the additional gaming at the facility, saying it appeals to their customer base.
“We’ve been a proponent of that for years,” said Lisa Watts, Rosecroft Raceway’s director of operations. “It is certainly something that matches the business we are currently doing.”
Some horse racing tracks in surrounding states offer gaming at their facilities.
“We have a lot of people in this area who travel to other states to do what we could provide right here in South County,” Watts said.
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker said that if the Maryland legislature makes the decision to expand gaming in Prince George’s County, then the county will have to weigh several factors to decide whether it’s a good decision.
“We’re going to look at what the cut is for what the amount that’s going to come back to the county to make sure it’s a good deal,” Baker said. “We’ve got to weigh the pros and cons of it.”
Watts said the addition of gaming at the track would help bring jobs to Rosecroft and to the local economy.
“We would again be able to employ a significant number of people in this area,” she said.
The Prince George’s County Council also considered the gaming proposal late last year, but decided to put off any recommendation until after the General Assembly acted.