SEARCH NEWS:

 

Maryland Governor Rejects Slot Referendum

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- As reported by the Associated Press: "Gov. Robert Ehrlich rejected the House leadership proposal for a referendum on slot machines Monday and asked instead for a special session of the General Assembly next month to consider a slot machine bill.

"The governor's response came in a letter delivered to House Speaker Michael Busch, who had proposed a special session to pass a constitutional amendment authorizing slot machines so that voters could decide in November if they want to expand legalized gambling.

"The governor said the speaker's plan is "a profound departure" from slot machine legislation developed over the last two years by the administration and the state Senate under the leadership of President Thomas V. Mike Miller.

"...The Senate has passed a slot machine bill the last two years, but it has died both times in the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Delegates, with Busch leading the opposition.

"...The speaker contends the plan of the governor and the Senate would unjustly enrich a few owners of tracks and gambling companies at the expense of the state, which would not a get a fair share of slots revenues..."

< Gaming News