Gov. Martin O'Malley proposed yesterday a referendum on slots that would allow up to 15,000 machines in five Maryland locations - including Baltimore - and hand the decision to voters after years of legislative deadlock.
"It's time to let the people decide," O'Malley said, adding that he personally would vote for slots in a referendum.
Under the plan, slot machines would be limited to five places - one each in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Worcester and Allegany counties and Baltimore City. The only racetracks covered by the plan would be Laurel Park in Anne Arundel and Ocean Downs in Worcester, an O'Malley aide said.
The potential Baltimore site would be in the Middle Branch area, within a half-mile of Interstate 95 and Route 295. It does not include Pimlico Race Course.
The proposed referendum appeared to break the standoff over the issue between House Speaker Michael E. Busch, a slots foe, and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, a strong supporter. Both Democrats said they thought they would be able to get the necessary votes in the special session that begins Monday.
"My belief always has been a referendum makes the General Assembly and the governor put the best product on the ballot. It will help bring a resolution to this," Busch said.
The slots proposal, which is among six administration bills the legislature will consider, calls for a November 2008 referendum. Lawmakers will consider a bill authorizing the referendum and legislation on how the slots program would be administered.
O'Malley called the session to address the state's projected $1.7 billion budget deficit. He had hoped the legislature would approve slot machines to raise revenue, but the plan bogged down amid opposition in both chambers. The latest plan, if approved as a constitutional amendment in the referendum, could raise as much as $700 million a year, much of it targeted for education, O'Malley said.
With the controversial issue potentially moving to the ballot box, the debate is likely to get even more heated. A grass-roots campaign to keep slots out of the state is under way, and slots proponents warn that out-of-state gambling interests are likely to fund anti-slots initiatives because they fear competition. West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New York have legalized slots and racetrack casinos.
