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Slot machines are coming to Maryland.  The time for debate has passed as Maryland voters approved the amendment by overwhelming margins.  Now the state must shift its focus to putting these 15,000 slot machines in place.

The Maryland State Lottery Commission will own and govern the use of all of the new slot machines.  Legislative leaders alongside Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley will be appointing members to the State Lottery for this purpose.  As for the bid proposals of the five future gambling sites of Allegany, Anne Arundel, Cecil, and Worcester counties as well as Baltimore city, a separate panel will be appointed to consider them. 

February 1, 2009 is the deadline for bids for the five slot machine operator licenses.  Legislators have acknowledge that in order to attract higher bidders, the state may have to revise the percentage of proceeds that the operators of the slot machines will receive.  The percentage pales in comparison to the high percentage offered in other states.  Maryland needs to stay competitive in order to attract the desired business.

Despite those concerns interest has already been expressed by the Maryland Jockey Club.  The Maryland Jockey Club plans to apply for a license at Laurel Park in Anne Arundel County.

Although the case seems closed, opponents of slot machines plan to continue their protest on a local level.  Although slot machines have come back to Maryland, opponents aim to keep it from spreading.  A new referendum would be required for the approval of new slot machine parlors and new types of gambling.  Gambling opponents are now fighting a battle of containment.

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