The legislation, backed by Council Chairwoman Cathy Vitale, R-Severna Park, would not allow the proposed 4,750-slot machine casino at Arundel Mills mall - the only bid for slots in the county. If built, the casino would be the largest, most profitable gambling venue in Maryland.
"Given the fact that there's only one bid before the state location commission, her bill amounts to a prohibition on slots in Anne Arundel County, and a $30 million annual loss of...
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3
Where they belong... - 2009-10-22 13:26:54
I think the council should spend a lot of time thinking about the consequences of their actions... something politicians haven't been doing of late. The people of AA county approved a vaguely (and confusingly) written proposition when slots passed. I'm guessing most people didn't read it because most people I talk to thought 1 of 2 things. 1 - slots would only be allowed at race tracks and 2 - slots were being enacted to save horse racing in Maryland. Both are good reasons why they should consider rejecting slots at A.M. Mall. On a side note, everytime this subject comes up, there are comments that say things like 'Slots at racetracks makes no sense... slot players don't bet horses and horse gamblers don't play slots' I can't argue the accuracy of those sentiments, but it seems to be working nicely for WV, PA, and DEL. I do know that all the VERY SUCCESSFUL slot parlors we are trying to take customers away from are at race tracks.
(in the interest of full disclosure, I read the bill and voted against slots)
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Matthew D. - Churchton, MD - Karma: Neutral
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5
Referendum - 2009-10-22 07:35:52
Back when the referendum was being discussed, I only recall the Laurel Race Track being discussed as the location in Anne Arundel County. I do not recall Arundel Mills Mall being an option. So to say that county voters approved allowing them anywhere within two miles of Route 295, while technically correct, is not what was envisioned.
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Spencer Leech - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral
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Slots zoning... - 2009-10-22 04:24:15
It seems like a simple action to take. Pass the Vitale-Jones bill which should leverage the State to reopen bidding for the Laurel Race Track vicinity -- where gambling already is legal and accepted by area residents. I think it is ridiculous for us to even consider establishing gambling (and all of the baggage that we know would come with it) in the middle of a family-oriented, shopping and entertainment venue like Arundel Mills Mall, when that place has room for more family-oriented venue growth which can just as well generate significant jobs for workers and profits for entrepreneurs. And the State and County can still get its slots tax revenue -- from Laurel. I should think that building the casino elsewhere will not deter the gamblers. Heck, Maryland people drive to Delaware, West Va. and Penn. now. I'm sure they won't be opposed to driving to Laurel.
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Jim K. - Severn, MD - Karma: Excellent
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Good for Vitale!! - 2009-10-22 02:55:59
Leopold can't produce legislation to protect the residents of AA County. He says the covenants on the Arudel Mills property are weak and would allow such a gambling enterprise. Vitale is right to take all the time needed to review every aspect of the Cordish proposal. This is a major change in direction and priorities in this County and should not be taken lightly. Slots were outlawed previously for the corrupting influence that overshadowed much of the political and business enterprises operating in the county and state. They should not be enabled without lots of safeguards to AA taxpayers. After, all our children will have to deal with the real negative impact of the power and influence this kind of industry will bring to our state. By the way, will the slots parlors have resident state auditors at each site?? I haven't been able to get a straight answer to this. So much cash needs to be tracked very closely. So, does the honest operation of the machines.
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Maryellen Brady - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Neutral
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