Slots divide state; may bring money, crime or both

ANNAPOLIS — To one group, it's the "crack cocaine of gambling." To another, it's a fountain of cash for schools.

The slots referendum, or Question 2 on Maryland's election ballot, has polarized activists and spawned a web of competing, contradictory "facts." Based on these arguments, the ballot item could either save Maryland from economic failure, or send cash-starved gambling addicts on crime sprees.

One thing's for certain, though: On Tuesday, voters will decide whether or not to authorize up to 15,000 slot machines throughout the state,...