FORT WASHINGTON, Md. – What should the role of gambling be in Prince George’s County? The County Council votes Tuesday on a bill that would effectively say no to slot machines anywhere in the county.

Penn National Gambling, the owner of Rosecroft Raceway, wants to once again pack in crowds to watch harness racing, but says it’s not possible without slot machines.

“We just cannot sustain Rosecroft without this proposal,” Darrell Carrington, a lawyer for Penn National tells News Channel 8.

“Without gaming, the racing industry is going to die.”

Rosecroft, with its proximity to National Harbor, is one area the county is looking to redevelop.

Former Maryland Delegate Jerron Levi says residents want racing and the jobs it could bring, but not with slots.

She says residents respect the racing heritage.

“We want to preserve it but in a way that preserves Prince George’s,” she tells News Channel 8.

Levi backs the bill the council is considering.

WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow Kate and WTOP on Twitter.

(Copyright 2011 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)