Preparations for slots moving forward

Governor gets ready to name commission to scrutinize applications

By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Published 11/06/08

It took the voice of Maryland voters to break the slot machines logjam in Annapolis, and one of the longest-running State House soap operas already is spinning off new subplots.

Although more battles probably will erupt, Gov. Martin O'Malley said yesterday he is focused on turning the ballot measure passed by voters on Tuesday into reality. Up to 15,000 slots are heading to five locations, including one in Anne Arundel County.

The state has estimated some slots facilities could open as soon as February 2011.

"The people have decided. They did so by pretty overwhelming margins," he said. "For my part, I...

This story has expired!
You can purchase the full text in our news archives.

YOUR COMMENTS

RULES OF PARTICIPATION

If you encounter other problems, please email ewiffin@capitalgazette.com and include your name, username, and any errors or messages that are displayed. The more information you can provide, the better able we will be to assist you.

In order to post or vote on a comment, you must be signed in with a hometownannapolis account.

Take a look at a summary of Commenting Guidelines.

Report Abuse or Vote In order to allow the user community the ability to collectively rank the value of comments posted on the Capital Gazette websites we have implemented a thumbs-up/down system. All logged-in users may participate by voting up/down each comment. If others vote on your comment, your individual score will go up/down depending on the votes. Initially, everyone starts with a score of zero, and must earn credits to have significant voting weight. Individuals with higher scores will have more voting weight. 0

I fail to see - 2008-11-11 10:46:53

how over development and the decline in the health of the bay has anything at all to do with slots .......

unhide Comment hidden due to low ranking. Why is this comment hidden?

Kristina P. - Easton, MD - Karma: Bad

The best way - 2008-11-10 17:41:03

to pick up support for slots is to put together a partisan commission to implement it. Please Ehrlich run in 2010.

unhide Comment hidden due to low ranking. Why is this comment hidden?

Peter D. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

Tired - 2008-11-08 18:08:47

I'm tired of the old worn out arguments. The nasty side of me wished they increased our taxes 25% and let the developers have their way with the remaining green space we have in this state. Hell, pave over the Bay why don't 'ya. Gambling is a PERSONAL choice. I play the lottery and I bet the horses (oh my gosh!). The people voted...oh my gosh...democracy working!

unhide Comment hidden due to low ranking. Why is this comment hidden?

J. Jovkovich - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

Gambling...a good thing?? - 2008-11-07 12:55:16

I cannot possibly go in my mind and realize that someone would actually believe that gambling would be a good thing. Every one is losing the true focus...where did the big deficit come from and what is REALLY needed to fix it. Thanks to many residents, slots will be coming in, and do you REALLY believe taxes won't be raised regardless? Please for the sake of us all, take a good look at what is really going on, and do the right thing. This county can still battle the zoning laws that are needed to be changed to allow that use. Last chance folks, better speak up, or to hell with all of us. I have kids here, and I think they would be better off in another state, a state with with more backbone that doesn't cower and pass bogus laws to compensate for governmental ignorance.

unhide Comment hidden due to low ranking. Why is this comment hidden?

Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

Hope your ready - 2008-11-07 11:21:11

Once they are in it will take another change to the constitution to get them out agian. We have started down a very slippery slope and I fear it will not stop with slots. Can we say gaming tables? We have decided to go down this route and now we need to compete with neighboring states. Do you think they are going to lose people coming in to spend money without a fight? I hope everyone is ready for the incresed crime, addiction, broken marriages and other social issues caused by gambling! Remember ..... if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is!

unhide Comment hidden due to low ranking. Why is this comment hidden?

Kristina P. - Easton, MD - Karma: Bad

Once there in.... - 2008-11-07 08:25:43

...We will never get rid of them. I hope the voters are ready for the increase in crime, addiction, suicides, and poverty that go along with gambling. Oh, not to mention that in every place they made slots legal to help the state financially it has actually had the opposite effect.

unhide Comment hidden due to low ranking. Why is this comment hidden?

K. Overman - arnold, MD - Karma: Bad