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Slot machine opponents are receiving a lot of fuel in Maryland.  The state just cannot seem to get things right with bringing in slot machines.  After the vote on the November referendum, nothing seems to have gone right. 

The first major problem was that the state received far fewer bids than had initially been projected for slot machine licenses.  These means fees fell way short of the amount anticipated.  The Maryland government had been counting on the money from those upfront fees to help start tackling issues related to budget deficits.

Now, before slot machines have even begun to spin, the state is going to court with an unhappy bidder.  Part of the process for being considered for slot machine licensing was a payment of an upfront fee.  A few bidders neglected to submit payment and their bid was consequently thrown out. 

The Laurel Racing Association is employing their attorneys to attempt to get reconsideration for their dismissed slot machine license.

Judge William Mulford will oversee the hearing on Thursday morning in the Anne Arundel County Court.

The Laurel Racing Association intended to in stall 4,750 slot machine at their Laurel Park horse racing venue.  However, the licensing bid required a $28.5 million licensing fee which the group neglected to pay.  Under the instruction of the Attorney General the state commission handling the applications was forced to toss out their bid.

According to the Laurel Racing Association, they feared that the large sum of money would not be refundable if local zoning laws prevented them from building a parlor for the slot machines.

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