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This past November, Maryland voters approved a referendum to permit slot machines in the state.  According to legislative analysts, slot machines are expected to generate $1.36 billion in revenues by 2013.  Half of those revenue dollars are designated for public schools.  Oddly enough, none of the revenues from slot machines are earmarked specifically to mend the projected $2 billion budget deficit for the coming fiscal year.

Delaware is expected to give Maryland slot machines very stiff competition as it is very likely the state is on the road to legalizing sports betting at a few of its racinos.  By 2010, Delware is projecting a budget deficit of $560 million.  When the General Assembly convenes on January 13, 2009, sports betting is expected to be a big issue to tackle.  Delaware Governor-elect Jack A. Markell intends to allow sports betting at racetracks in Wilmington, Harrington, and Dover. 

“I don't think it has to do with what other states around us our doing,” said Delaware Senate President Pro Tempore Thurman Adams Jr. (D).

“It's based primarily on what it would return in benefits if it's passed as far as the finances.”

Although slot machines are just now being ushered into Maryland, Delaware opened its racetracks to slot machines to 1994.  The purpose of slot machines in Delaware was to aid the ailing thoroughbred industry.   They are so successful in the state that they compete with Atlantic City slot machines.

Pennsylvania really raised the stakes for Delaware when they brought in slot machines in 2004.  Perhaps sports betting is in fact a direct response to the new competition that Maryland brings to the region.

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