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Experts Support Maryland Candidate's Slot Predictions28 October 2002BALTIMORE, Maryland – As reported by the Associated Press: "Republican Robert Ehrlich's estimate that slot machines could generate $800 million a year for the Maryland treasury is reasonable, gambling experts say. "But raising that much money would require putting at least 2,500 slot machines at each of four horse tracks -- in spaces roughly the size of Wal-Mart stores. And it would require traffic planning and enough parking to accommodate thousands of customers at each location every day. "Ehrlich's proposal also assumes that 50 percent of the money generated by slots would go to the state, leaving less for the horse racing industry than is typical elsewhere. "Some neighbors say they fear that slots will transform the tracks into round-the-clock casinos and destroy the quality of life in their communities. "…Revenue from slot machine gambling is the centerpiece of Ehrlich's budget proposal in his campaign for governor -- money he says he would use to fund education. His Democratic opponent, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, is opposed to legalizing slots. "Ehrlich's plan calls for slots at Pimlico, Laurel Park in Anne Arundel County, Rosecroft in Prince George's County and at a track planned near Cumberland in Allegany County…" |