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There are new concerns that Maryland’s newly legalized slot machines will not pull in as much revenue as projected.   Delaware, in an attempt to keep their own gambling industry competitive, may takes the wind out of the sails of Maryland slot machines by legalizing sports betting at three of racinos as early as this year.

Such actions from Delaware may be the last thing that Maryland slot machines needed.  Already a sensitive issue in a state that has held a long standing negative view on slot machines, it must be realized that with such stiff competitions there is a great possibility that would mean less money for Maryland beneficiaries of slot machine revenues, such as education and the thoroughbred industry. 

“That will all serve to diminish Maryland's share of the regional market,” said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O'Donnell, Republican -Calvert, St. Mary's.

“In the recent referendum, the pro-slots campaign so exaggerated and elevated the expectations that when it doesn't promise the new and improved deliverance of all maladies, people are going to be very, very disappointed, and it's probably going to put, in my opinion, some of the state's priorities at risk.”

It appears that one-upmanship has become an unavoidable battle as states compete to keep their gambling industries relevant.  The battle may see serious escalation no that many states are expanding gambling and brining in slot machines to make up for budget shortfalls induced by an ailing economy. 

According to legislative analysts in Maryland, the new slot machines are projected to draw in $1.36 billion by 2013. 

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