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Implementing Maryland Casino Gambling Becoming Problematic
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND --
Maryland legislators who approved slots gambling at casinos thought the state would receive a quick jolt of much needed revenue from gaming operations. But, almost two years after the slots law was passed, the state's residents are still wondering when the first casino may open.
A series of issues have arisen, causing severe delays at some locations planned for casinos. Other venues may never come into existence, as gambling opponents force local votes before work can proceed, and developers drop out of projects whose estimated costs are skyrocketing.
Gaming industry experts are saying the $660 million in expected gambling revenue may end up being less than half that over the next several years, and casinos thought to be operational this year haven't broken ground and may not open until years pass, if at all.
State officials are saying the timing of the slots law is partially responsible, coming during the recession when gaming companies were severely strapped for cash and could not rapidly pursue development of new casinos. For themselves, casino operators are blaming lawmakers, saying the onerous taxation placed on slots in Maryland makes the state one of the least attractive locations for investment.
Making things even more complicated, race tracks facing competition from proposed stand-alone casinos are leading local efforts to resist development of the new gambling venues. The Maryland Jockey Club, owners of Laurel Park, has spent over $600,000 to prevent construction of a casino in Anne Arundel County.
Perhaps the first casino to open will be Penn National's planned Hollywood Casino Perryville, outside Baltimore. The location may open as soon as October, actually several months ahead of schedule, bringing 1500 slots into play for the state. As to other casinos, only time will tell how long the delays continue.
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