FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (AP) — Owners of Rosecroft Raceway say slots or other casino-style gambling are essential to their plan for the horseracing track to survive.

Penn National Gaming bought the bankrupt track last year for $12 million and reopened it to racing with hope that it could expand gambling there. Now, the company could be eliminated from competition for a casino even before a gambling license is approved for Prince George’s County.

Steven Snyder of Penn National tells The Washington Examiner that a gambling license at Rosecroft is the last viable option to sustain horse racing.

But County Executive Rushern Baker supports a measure to expand gambling at National Harbor instead. He urged Maryland lawmakers last week to support the plan for a high-end casino near the Potomac River.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)