Gambling bill on the Senate floor

Table games would be allowed in Maryland along with a sixth casino in Prince George's County, if a measure on the Senate floor tonight is passed by the General Assembly.

The bill is set for debate in the Senate Monday evening and, if it passes, it will miss a key deadline for consideration in the House of Delegates. The lower chamber is thought to be unfriendly to the bill.

The legislation would change how the slot machines for casinos are purchased. Now the state buys or leases them, but under the new plan casinos would take on that burden. In return, the state would chop 8 percentage points off the 67 percent tax rate on proceeds.