Md. Near Awarding 1st Slots License

Roogow would not comment on the timing of the award of a license but said he is not aware of any impediments to Rickman's planned Memorial Day launch.

"We would certainly support as early an opening as possible, because obviously the state is in need of additional revenue," he said.

Legislative analysts initially envisioned slots generating more than $600 million a year for state education programs. That figure has been scaled back and is likely to be revised further in coming months as the outcome of other bids becomes clear.

The Ocean Downs site faces no noteworthy remaining hurdles from local officials, in marked contrast to a proposal to put 4,750 slot machines at Arundel Mills Mall in Anne Arundel County. The County Council has repeatedly delayed consideration of required zoning legislation amid neighboring homeowners' expressions of concern.

A zoning change is not needed at the racetrack, Worcester officials said Monday.

"We see slots as an extension of their existing operation, so there's no need for a zoning change," said Kim Moses, a spokeswoman for the county. "Everything seems on track."

Officials in Baltimore have embraced a plan to put 3,750 slot machines in a casino just south of the stadium where the NFL's Ravens play. Questions remain, however, about whether the group of bidders will come up with a licensing fee needed for that proposal to be formally considered by the commission.

In February, the group applied to operate 500 machines. The expanded plan will require an additional $19.5 million fee, which had not been produced as of Monday, state officials said.

State officials indicated that the next proposal likely to be evaluated by the commission is for a location in Cecil County. Penn National Gaming has applied to put 500 machines at the site and possibly expand to 1,500 -- still short of the 2,500 allowed by law at the location.

A fifth site, adjacent to the Rocky Gap resort in Allegany County, drew no qualified bidders in February. State officials are considering reopening bids at that location, where as many as 1,500 machines are authorized.

The prospect of a slots parlor at Ocean Downs has long been opposed by many business owners in nearby Ocean City, who contend that it would compete for revenue with their beachside attractions.

A provision inserted into state legislation two years ago sought to address those concerns: It said that no one with a financial interest in the racetrack would be permitted to build a hotel within 10 miles of the property.

The prohibition also would apply to the operation of a conference center, a convention center, an amusement park or a miniature golf course as well as to the staging of live music, dancing exhibitions or any other form of live entertainment.

The legislation makes two exceptions: fireworks, which are an occasional feature at Ocean Downs, and "a single piano that is played by an individual."