A study conducted for the American Gaming Association says commercial gaming generated about 4,500 Maryland jobs and supported an additional 3,400 positions in 2013.
The study, conducted for the trade association by Oxford Economics and released Monday, said the industry's economic impact on Maryland was $1.4 billion, including labor income of about $359 million.
The industry group said the study is part of its "Get to Know Gaming" campaign intended to promote the industry and challenge stereotypes. Maryland has five casinos with another, MGM, on the way in Prince George's County.
"Prior to Maryland Live opening (in 2012) there were a lot of people out there concerned about the possible negative impacts," said Rob Norton, president and general manager of Maryland Live, the state's largest casino. "The amount of naysayers has dropped dramatically.".