Republican Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s estimate that slot machines could generate $800 million a year for the Maryland treasury isn't unreasonable, gambling experts say.
But raising that much money would require at least 2,500 slot machines at each of four horse tracks -- in spaces roughly the size of Wal-Mart stores. And it would require traffic planning and enough parking to accommodate thousands of patrons at each location every day.
Ehrlich's proposal also assumes that 50 percent of the money generated by slots would go to the state, leaving less for the horse racing industry than is typical elsewhere.
Such details are raising concerns among racing interests and people who live near the tracks. Some neighbors say they fear that slots will transform the tracks into round-the-clock casinos and destroy the quality of life in their communities.
"I don't want this in my neighborhood," said Michele Oseroff, who lives in Mount Washington near Pimlico Race Course. "You can go to Las Vegas if you want to do that."
And some in the racing industry say that earmarking 50 percent of the revenue for the state may not leave enough for their businesses. West Virginia and Delaware collect about 35 percent.
"If what they are proposing is a tax rate of 50 percent, then that's extremely high," said Joseph A. De Francis, president and chief executive officer of the Maryland Jockey Club. "You have to be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg by setting the tax too high."
Revenue from slot machine gambling is the centerpiece of Ehrlich's budget proposal in his campaign for governor -- money he says he would use to fund education. His Democratic opponent, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, is opposed to legalizing slots.
Ehrlich's plan calls for slots at Pimlico, Laurel Park in Anne Arundel County, Rosecroft in Prince George's County and at a track planned near Cumberland in Allegany County.
A spokesman for Ehrlich, Paul E. Schurick, said the $800 million revenue estimate assumes state government would get 50 percent of the "take" from slots, which is the money left after winnings are paid to players.
He said the estimate also assumes each machine would generate, on average, a take of $300 a day -- about the same as machines in Delaware. Schurick said slots in Maryland could do even better.
