Maryland Casino Slot Debate Heats Up As Legislature Mulls Options

It is the same debate that goes on in every state that the gambling issue comes up, whether or not the addition of legalized gambling can be a savior for a community, or the communities downfall.

This is the question that Legislators in Maryland is facing, and the debate on both sides heated up on Friday as two separate rallies were held to state positions on the issue.

Governor Martin O'Malley is seeking to amend the states constitution through a bill that would allow up to 15,000 slot machines, which would be spread over five locations in the state.

Opponents of the bill, such as Comptroller Peter Franchot feel the slots will bring a negative image to the state, he had this to say, referring to back in 1949 when slots were legal, "The results were disastrous, corruption and crime, broken families, ruined communities, destruction of things that we care about."

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller took a different approach while speaking at a rally for slot supporters saying, "Over 200 years ago, George Washington came to this city to race his horses, to bet on the horses, the president of the United States, folks."

He went on to say, "It's been a part of our history, part of our culture for a long time."

The Legislature began deliberating on the issue on Friday and a decision could be made soon as to whether the voters will get to decide the issue.



2007-11-02