MEC, Horsemen Support Pro-Slots Campaign

FROM: Blood Horse

BY: Tom LaMarra

The Maryland racing industry is throwing its support behind a campaign for slot machines, but it remains to be seen whether any racetracks would get the gambling devices should the public approve a statewide ballot measure in November.

The state legislature approved a slots bill in 2007. It defined how 15,000 slot machines would be distributed in five locations, but offered few specifics.

It proposes putting 4,750 machines in Anne Arundel County, presumably at Laurel Park; 2,500 in Cecil County near the Delaware border; 2,500 in Worcester County, presumably at Ocean Downs harness track on the state’s Eastern Shore; 3,750 in Baltimore; and 1,500 in Rocky Gap State Park near Cumberland in western Maryland.

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