“Referendum-related activities are highly-protected, core political speech,” Attorney’s for Penn National Gaming wrote in response to last month’s complaint by rival casino developer Cordish Cos.
The Maryland Lottery Commission is expected to hold a hearing later this month to review the complaint that Penn National Gaming has violated casino regulations by supporting a coalition group that is attempting to block the development of the state’s largest slots parlor at the Arundel Mills mall.
Cordish Cos. won the casino license and has been granted zoning approval, however citizens opposed to the location are fighting the zoning issuance at the polls in November.
The Coalition has been backed by Penn National Gaming who is also the operator of the state’s first casino coming online later this month and co-owner of the Maryland Jockey Club who would like to put slots at the racetrack also in Anne Arundel County.
Penn National says they have not broken any rules and that their support is protected under their constitutional right to free speech.






