Hollywood Casino Perryville won approval Tuesday to eliminate 308 of its 1,158 slot machines. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission voted 4-2 to grant the request.
"It's a temporary reduction request," casino general manager Matthew Heiskell told the commission at its monthly meeting.
The state is expected to take a short-term revenue hit of about $1.2 million, according to projections released at the meeting.
But Heiskell said the move would help in the long run. "We're trying to open up some space for additional amenities," he said.
The casino leases some slots machines, while others are state-owned. The state will need to find a buyer for those that are returned.
The casino generated $6.2 million from slots and table games in November, down 6.9 percent from November 2013.
It was the first casino to open in the state after voters endorsed slots in 2008, but it has faced increased competition from newer, larger casinos including Maryland Live in Hanover and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore.
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