Slots Still Annapolis's Hottest Game

After Years of Debate, Legalizing the Machines Remains an Emotional Issue

Supporters and opponents of slot machine gambling clashed yesterday at dueling rallies and during a lengthy hearing, as a special legislative session called by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) to fix Maryland's budget lumbered toward its second week.

For close to five hours, lawmakers listened to arguments that have become painfully familiar during a debate that has consumed Annapolis for years.

Supporters said slots are necessary for Maryland's storied horse-racing industry to survive when neighboring states use gambling proceeds to subsidize racing purses.

"We are getting crushed now by the competition," Alan Foreman of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association told lawmakers. "If nothing is done . . . the racing industry in this state will collapse."

But opponents decried the potential social ills they say are associated with slots, including gambling addiction, increased crime and prostitution.

"Are you sure you want to make Maryland more like Nevada?" asked Gordon Bell, a retired probation agent from Montgomery County who related the case of a gambling addict he once supervised who committed suicide, making his father "insane with grief."

Legislation being pushed by O'Malley seeks to legalize slots at five locations, eventually yielding close to $650 million a year for the state and more than $75 milion for the racing industry, according to legislative analysts. Administration officials have provided somewhat higher revenue projections.

The slots plan, which O'Malley has proposed putting to voters in a referendum next year, is the most controversial part of his revenue package to address a budget shortfall next year of more than $1.5 billion. Other O'Malley initiatives include raising the sales tax and overhauling the state's income tax brackets.

As a week of hearings on his proposals drew to a close, O'Malley appeared at a news conference with the legislature's two Democratic leaders in a bid to show unity. "I think we are all moving together toward a common goal," O'Malley said, thanking lawmakers for their work this week.

Both chambers plan committee meetings over the weekend, and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) said he hopes to put some of O'Malley's bills on the floor for votes by early next week. Legislative aides said the House is likely to put off floor action on most measures until the bills clear the Senate.

"Some of the votes are going to be close, and some of his bills are going to be modified more than he's going to appreciate," Miller said.

O'Malley's legislation envisions slots parlors at locations in Baltimore and in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Cecil and Worcester counties. Two racetracks -- Laurel Park in Anne Arundel and Ocean Downs in Worcester -- would be eligible for but not guaranteed licenses.