Black billboard with gold lettering, at the intersection of Rt. 50 and Rt. 589, announces casino gambling at Ocean Downs. After many delays, the era of slot machine gambling is about to begin at Ocean Downs. The grand opening is scheduled for Jan. 4, barring last-minute hitches. The new casino needs a final certificate from… [Read more…]
October 8, 2009
It has been 11 months since the voters of Maryland decided, in last November’s referendum, to allow slot machines at five locations in the state. Here are some of the things we have learned since then: It’s feasible to jump-start a modest slot-machine operation in an out-of-the-way place, without a whole lot of nosey neighbors.… [Read more…]
February 5, 2009
Slot machines in Maryland: Fiasco of the year! Magna Entertainment, the Canadian casino operator that invaded Maryland with dollar signs in its eyes, is the big loser. Hey, nobody said playing slots was a game for the faint-hearted! Magna bought the Maryland Jockey Club and took over Pimlico Racetrack in northwest Baltimore City, and Laurel… [Read more…]
February 3, 2009
UPDATE — Statewide, bidders offer to put in 6,550 slot machines out of 15,000 possible. Cordish at Arundel Mills would be the largest — 4,750 slots at a $1 billion slots palace, in an adults-only building separate from the mall. Second largest number of slot machines would be 800 at Ocean Downs racetrack near Ocean… [Read more…]
November 13, 2008
Gov. Martin O’Malley, It looks as if your legacy is going to be bringing slot machines back to Maryland. Parris Glendening refused to do it and Bob Ehrlich was unable to do it. Martin O’Malley accomplished slot machines. I know that you will have many other significant accomplishments in your remaining six years as governor.… [Read more…]
November 5, 2008
Was I wrong, or what! The vote on slot machines in Maryland wasn’t close. The statewide totals Wednesday morning are 1,155,204 votes for the constitutional amendment to allow slot machines in Maryland, and 818,156 against slot machines. That’s without votes from Prince George’s County, which are not yet available. Slots won everywhere, in Baltimore City… [Read more…]
November 2, 2008
Voting for slot machines in the Maryland referendum is like poking yourself in both eyes with a stick. Ouch! Why would anyone do that? Here are the mad reasons why otherwise prudent voters will fall for the seductive promise of slot machines on Tuesday: The money would help Maryland’s public schools. Really? Private casino operators… [Read more…]
October 22, 2008
The Washington Post is reporting that its latest poll shows 62 percent of likely Maryland voters support slot machines, and 36 percent are opposed. The poll finds only 2 percent undecided. These findings contrast with the Gonzales poll in early September, which found 49 percent supporting slots and 43 percent opposing. The vote on Nov.… [Read more…]
October 20, 2008
It is hard to accept that The Baltimore Sun has come out in support of slot machines in Maryland. The Sun editorial page has been strongly and consistently opposed to slots, like . . . forever. The Sun has published at least 75 editorials against slots over the past 10 years. Now, with the slots… [Read more…]
October 19, 2008
Slots and Taxes Part I To cheer for slots/ One must ignore/ This open secret:/ Slots tax the poor Don’t tax the poor/ On voting day,/ Tax the rich –/ They can afford to pay Slots tax the poor/ For corporate greed/ Placing private profit/ Above common need Racehorse owners/ Stand to gain;/ Families and… [Read more…]
December 14, 2010
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