Maryland slot referendum debate might continue past election

MARYLAND -- As reported by The (Baltimore) Sun: "After years of gridlock in Annapolis, millions of dollars spent by gambling interests, and incessant protest rallies, voters may render the final verdict Tuesday on slot machines in Maryland.

"But don't bet on it.

"Slots gambling has been one of the most intractable and enduring issues in Maryland political history. Forty years after the General Assembly banned slots and the last machines were rolled out of taverns and flashy casinos in Southern Maryland, known then as 'Little Vegas,' the state legislature has resurrected the so-called one-armed bandits and put their legalization to voters in a referendum.

"If Marylanders approve the proposal and amend the state Constitution to allow 15,000 slots at five locations, so begins potential zoning fights at the local level, jockeying among gambling companies and developers, and the continued debate over the impact of gambling on the state's social fabric.

"If voters reject the idea, so begins what some believe will be the sure demise of the ailing horse-racing industry in Maryland as well as epic budget battles in Annapolis brought on by the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars in slots proceeds that would have gone to tracks and horse breeders and to help fill massive revenue shortfalls. And, some observers say, don't count on lawmakers letting the slots issue drop..."