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Maryland Gambling Proposal Approved

MARYLAND – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "After its second major rewrite of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s gambling proposal in less than a week, a Senate committee approved last night a plan to permit 15,500 slot machines at three racetracks and three tourist destinations in Maryland.

"The plan, which now goes to the full Senate for a vote, could shut out slot machines from both of Maryland's harness tracks -- Ocean Downs near Ocean City and Rosecroft Raceway in Prince George's County -- but it adds Dorchester County as an Eastern Shore site eligible for expanded gambling.

"The most significant change to the measure came after hours of behind-the-scenes lobbying by state Sen. Gloria G. Lawlah. She vigorously fought to prevent having slot machines at both Rosecroft and the National Harbor development -- two sites located a mile apart within her district. The bill was altered to require at least two miles between gambling locations.

"… The 11-2 vote by the Budget and Taxation Committee is the same margin by which Ehrlich's slot machine proposal was approved last year, and Senate leaders predicted last night that the bill will win passage from the full chamber, perhaps as soon as the end of this week…"

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