ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A Maryland House panel has scheduled a hearing for later this week on a bill that would allow a high-end casino in Prince George’s County.

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker has backed a plan that would put the casino at National Harbor, next to the Potomac River and close to the nation’s capital. The hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled for Friday, and Baker is expected to appear.

Some lawmakers have expressed concerns that putting a casino at National Harbor would kill the struggling harness horse racing industry at Rosecroft Raceway in the county. 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.

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