Maryland Casinos

NO INDIAN CASINOS IN MARYLAND

September 28, 2009
Slots Approved For Ocean Downs

Maryland has issued its first license for slot machines to Ocean Downs racetrack on the Eastern Shore. William M. Rickman Jr., the owner of Ocean Downs, said he hopes to have the slots parlor operating by Memorial Day. The license allows up to 800 machines.

This is the first of five site to be approved by a state commission authorized by voters in last year's election.

"By our action today, we are showing this moving forward," said the commission chairman, Donald C. Fry. Fry indicated that the next applicant to be considered for approval will likely be Penn National Gaming, which has proposed putting 500 slot machines in Cecil County. Their license could be awarded as early as October 21st and may be revised to 1,500 machines.

The commission's decisions on proposals for Anne Arundel County and Baltimore are likely to be delayed. The Cordish Companies have proposed placing 4,750 machines at Arundel Mills mall, but are facing a zoning fight with the county council. In Baltimore a background check of the potential operators is proceeding slowly, partly due to "a combination of multiple partners involved in the process," according to Fry. The group would like to put a casino with 3,750 machines at a site just south of the professional football stadium where the Ravens play.
 

November 6, 2008
Voters Approve Slot Machines
Maryland voters approved a ballot measure Tuesday to amend the state constitution to allow as many as 15,000 slot machines at five locations across the state. The margin was nearly 2 to 1 in favor.

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and other slots supporters said the derived revenues would help balance the state budget, help education funding, and help Maryland's struggling horse racing industry. State leaders will now appoint a Facility Location Commission to create the licensing process and determine the impact on the five communities.

Baltimore is already moving forward with land for a proposed casino south of downtown. City officials today approved $4.1 million for the city to purchase the land.
 

November 10, 2007
Baltimore County Considers Slot Machines

Baltimore County delegates are considering a plan for 2,500 slot machines in the Middle River area. It would be part of an entertainment complex with restaurants and a music venue. The proposed location is an industrial area near the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. 40.

This location may be more favorable than either Cecil or Worcester counties where there is strong opposition to expanded gambling. A proposed site in Cecil County has already been passed in a Senate bill, but faces opposition in the House.