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Maryland Slot Plan Taking Shape Slowly

MARYLAND – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "As lawmakers head for Western Maryland today on the last leg of a statewide tour to study slot machine gambling, they are finding that crafting details of a plan to legalize slots is far from an easy task.

"The refrain from Del. Sheila E. Hixson, chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee that will hold the hearing in Allegany County, hasn't changed from the day the panel began its work: `Everything is on the table.'

"But while some predict legalization will again elude slot supporters, a broad outline of a compromise deal is beginning to emerge, one that involves the electronic gambling devices - but no casino-style table games - at a handful of racetracks and other sites.

"Beyond that, many fundamental questions remain unresolved: where slots emporiums should be built, whether they would be owned and operated by private business or the state, and even who will take the lead in drafting legislation.

"…[Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr] agree on a few things: Full-scale casinos, with table games, are not right for Maryland, and slot machines should not be permitted in bars and restaurants…"

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