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Federal Investigation May Put New Md. Casino In Jeopardy

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Allegations against Caesars are raising some eyebrows about its future in Maryland gaming.

Pat Warren has more on a troubling development.

Officials say they are confident that Baltimore casino construction will go as planned, but a federal investigation has the state asking questions.

Caesars Horseshoe Casino is going forward as planned.

"We've made tremendous progress," said Chad Barnhill.

A federal investigation has the state doing some digging.

"My team has been in communication with Caesars," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Caesars has pulled out of a Massachusetts project over an investor's alleged ties to organized crime, and one of its Vegas businesses is the target of a federal money laundering investigation.

The Maryland Lottery states the Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is concerned about these alleged incidents and how they impact their mission of ensuring that commercial gambling in Maryland promotes integrity, transparency and fair play.

"We don't think there's going to be any impact on the progress of construction. I think we're still on track and I remain excited about what the casino means when it comes to jobs for Baltimore City, as well as the money it's going to provide for property tax reduction, school construction [and] recreation centers," said Rawlings-Blake.

As far as the allegations are concerned, the Gaming Control Agency states, "We are gathering information and will give these matters the attention they deserve."

Caesars does not expect the investigation to have any impact on the Baltimore casino. It is expected to open by the end of next year.

The Maryland Gaming Control Agency was doing site surveys Wednesday for a sixth Maryland casino in Prince George's County.

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