Casinos are certainly in the business of making money. However, part of a balanced public policy in allowing legalized gaming is a financial return to the community.
In the case of Live! Casino and Hotel, the most recent return to the community -- $19.6 million -- was celebrated Nov. 9 with the formal award of local impact and community support grants to about 30 Anne Arundel County organizations.
The $19.6 million for fiscal year 2018 was a record for casino-generated money distributed by the Anne Arundel County Local Development Council, the group that advises the county executive on the expenditure of casino funds. The money is used by agencies and groups for a range of community needs, including public safety, education, parks, housing and transportation.
