Miller calls slots bids 'unacceptable'

Urges changes be made to process

By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Published 02/06/09

Dissatisfied with the current slot machine bids, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. said he wants the state to explore starting all over again, although he still is willing to give the process some time.

Miller, D-Calvert, said yesterday that he will contact Donald Fry, the chairman of the Video Lottery Facility Location Commission, and ask for recommendations on how to move forward in the face of "unacceptable" results.

Initial bids were for only 6,550 machines, less than half of the 15,000 the state authorized and was counting on for needed revenue.

"I would have to believe that the bidding...

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referendum - 2009-02-10 12:15:11

What seems forgotten here is that the jokers in Annapolis could have voted this "yes" or "no" while they were in session. It did not need to go to a convoluted referendum that went so far as to tell us where and how many slots go go to a specific place. If the politicians in Annapolis had any guts, hey would have made their votes on the floor of the State House for all to see. The referendum was a cop out that turned into the mess we all have now.
Brian Nurmi - Annapolis, MD

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Brian Nurmi - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Good

slots bids - 2009-02-09 17:57:42

This article is somewhat misleading. Of course there is going to be opposition to the rezoning necessary to place the slots in a family environment, like a shopping mall. It just takes a little time to organize; and, a little time for some people to realize that they've been sold a bill of goods. If you recall the first argument for slots was that it was to revitalize the horse racing industry in Maryland, and now there is not even a legitimate bid for slots at the Laurel race track site. Then we were told that public education would benefit from the increased revenue and our taxes would not need to be raised to help support our children's education. Doubly misleading, because there was not ever going to be "additional" revenue for education, the slots revenue would only replace funds already designated for the education budget and allow that revenue to be moved to other budget items. The end result of the majority of Maryland voters being tricked into allowing slots back into Maryland despite our prior experience with the criminal element that gambling brings into the state, is that we will now be stuck with slots and increased taxes. Meanwhile our legislators, whose job it was to make the tough decisions, can just stand back and say "not (their) fault" this is what the voters wanted.

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Debra M. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

rules - 2009-02-08 19:22:05

seems the circus is still in Annapolis staring miller o'malley under the big top morons.Don't these guys read the papers gambling is down all over the US and the globe it's not guarantied money maker anymore.that's why you can fly to Vegas with round trip air with 4 nights stay for $218.00 hello guys. I really hope this whole thing blows up in their face,i voted against slots they cause to many social problems like crime, gambling addictions etc.

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e. madden - edgewater, MD - Karma: Neutral

Michael E. Busch.... - 2009-02-08 17:26:48

Are you mentally challenged or something? I am surprised Cordish has bid on slots considering the economy. If the fools that be had not drug their feet for years Maryland would not be losing millions of dollars to other states....

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Don W. - Davidsonville, MD - Karma: Terrible

No Opposition to Zoning ? - 2009-02-07 15:59:55

I am not sure why this reporter has not done any research in my neighborhood? I live next to the mall and almost the entire neighborhood is organizing to oppose the zoning changes proposed by Exec.Leopold. Leopold is trying to rush through the zoning changes before we have our say in the process. I think he is dicounting the residential development and population growth which has happend in this area over the last five years.

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Rob A - hanover, MD - Karma: Excellent

What scares me - 2009-02-07 10:29:37

What scares me most is they are actually considering putting a 5k plus Casino at Arundle "Kills" Mall. As if there isn't enough tomfoolery there now.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

I LOVE comedians - 2009-02-06 16:55:49

House Speaker Michael Busch says that if the legislature were to tinker with the slots bidding process now, no one would respect the process any longer. As if anyone respects it now... The Fools on the Hill are getting funnier every day!

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Michael Calo - Glen Burnie, MD - Karma: Neutral

Let it be - 2009-02-06 16:45:14

Mr. Miller, what can we say... Magna decided not to pay. When the gambling amendment was incorporated into our State's Constitution, there was a wide geographic area designated for locations. Two miles from BW Parkway is a slot closer than W.VA., Pa. or Delaware. Magna's Laurel race track was considered a front-runner, even money, a prime opportunity. Location was not an issue, they owned it. Frankly, to miss the deadline shows lack of business acumen,arrogance or stupidity. Is the plan to now start again? Renegotiate the split? How about North Beach?

Any attempt to modify the application procedure will open the door for legal action. Cordish Cos followed the rules established by the legislature. They would quickly squash any attempt to consider Magna.

The wheels are turning, you can no longer place your bets.

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harry trampolini - severna park, MD - Karma: Neutral