Robert J. Norton Named President & General Manager of Maryland Live! Casino

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md., Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Maryland Live! Casino announced that Robert J. Norton has been named President and General Manager of the new $500 million gaming and entertainment destination currently in development at Arundel Mills. Mr. Norton is a veteran gaming and hospitality executive with more than 18 years of hands-on operational experience.

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In his new role, Mr. Norton oversees all aspects of the property's operations, including gaming, finance, marketing, human resources, hospitality and information technology. He is committed to expanding Maryland Live! Casino's leadership position in the state by creating a world-class casino entertainment experience through innovation, customer service and marketing, with an emphasis on driving revenue.

"Rob has a distinguished career, including leadership positions in a broad range of markets, properties and brands," said Joe Weinberg, President of the Gaming and Resorts Division for the Cordish Companies. "His expertise in management, entertainment and marketing will be particularly important as we build one of the largest gaming, retail and entertainment project in the country."

Mr. Norton comes to Maryland Live! Casino from the MTR Gaming Group, Inc., which owns and operates casino and racetrack facilities in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Prior to joining MTR, Mr. Norton spent 12 years in executive positions with Isle of Capri Casinos, instilling the brand with his dynamic leadership and guiding the company's profitability and patron satisfaction. MTR and Isle of Capri Casinos have combined revenues of approximately $1.5 billion.

Mr. Norton's track record of success will be instrumental to Maryland Live! Casino as he leads the development through its anticipated June 2012 opening (pending Maryland State Lottery Agency approval), establishing the property as the leading entertainment option in Maryland and the surrounding region with more than 4,750 slot machines and electronic table games, nationally-acclaimed restaurants, a live entertainment venue and other first-class amenities.

Mr. Norton is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Administration. He lives in Severna Park, Anne Arundel County, Maryland with his wife and four children.

About Maryland Live! Casino

Maryland Live! Casino is Maryland's newest gaming and entertainment destination. Located at the Arundel Mills Mall, the $500 million multi-use complex spans 12 acres. The project will include more than 4,750 slot machines and electronic table games, nationally-acclaimed restaurants, a live entertainment venue and other first class amenities. Maryland Live! Casino is scheduled to open in June 2012, pending final approval from the Maryland State Lottery Agency. Visit www.marylandlivecasino.com or follow Maryland Live! Casino on Facebook.

Maryland Live! Casino is being developed by The Cordish Company.

About Cordish

The Cordish Companies, now in its fourth generation of family ownership, is an international conglomerate of businesses, including one of the leading gaming, entertainment and real estate development companies in the United States. The company has diverse development expertise with divisions focused on Gaming & Lodging, Entertainment & Mixed-Use, Sports Anchored Districts, Shopping & Lifestyle Retail, Office and Residential. The Cordish Companies also owns and manages a diverse group of operating businesses, ranging from gaming, restaurants/clubs to live music promotion and film/media distribution. The company values itself on the quality of its operations, its long-term relationships, and high level of integrity in all of its endeavors.

The Cordish Companies is the largest and most successful developer of entertainment districts and concepts in the United States. In particular, the company has unparalleled experience in creating and revitalizing high-profile destinations in urban core locations. Many of The Cordish Companies' projects involve public/private partnerships and are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. Prime examples are the company's prominent role in the redevelopment of Baltimore's world-famous Inner Harbor; Atlantic City, NJ; Hollywood, FL; Charleston, SC; Houston, TX; Louisville, KY; Tampa FL; Kansas City, MO; and Towson, MD.

The Cordish Companies has received the highest possible national awards in its various area of expertise. In real estate, The Cordish Companies has received an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards of Excellence. www.cordish.com

SOURCE Maryland Live! Casino