 In 2009, the state's initial effort to open a casino in the park failed when the only bidder, Empire Resorts, did not pay the required $4.5 million licensing fee.Empire's contingent bid was based on Maryland altering its 67 percent tax on casinos—one of the highest in the United States.In 2011, legislators lowered the state’s share of slots revenue at Rocky Gap from 67 percent to 50 percent.