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Maryland Voters Favor State Control of Slots28 October 2003ANNAPOLIS, Maryland -- As reported by the Associated Press: "If Maryland decides to legalize slot machine gambling, an overwhelming majority of voters believe the state should maintain control over the machines rather than having them operated by racetrack owners, according to a poll released today. "In the poll by Annapolis-based Gonzales Research & Marketing Strategies, 62 percent of 831 registered voters questioned over seven days beginning Oct. 20 said the state should retain financial control and hire experts to manage slot machines. Eleven percent said the state should allow the racing industry to control slot machines facilities, 8 percent said licenses to operate facilities should be auctioned off to the highest bidder and 19 percent had no opinion on the question. "Asked whether Maryland should legalize slot machines, 56 percent of the voters supported slots and 34 percent opposed them with 10 percent undecided. That was about the same as Gonzales poll taken two months ago. "Gov. Robert Ehrlich wants to authorize slot machines at racetracks, and the state Senate approved his slots bill during the 2003 General Assembly session. The governor's bill was killed by the House Ways and Means Committee. "...Voters were closely divided on one question dealing with location. Asked if slot machines should be located near the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, 40 percent were in favor and 47 percent opposed. Asked if the state should allow casinos, which typically have slot machines and other forms of gambling such as roulette, 41 percent were in favor and 47 percent opposed..." |