IN MARYLAND, THE MAJORITY OF VOTING RESIDENTS VOTED IN FAVOR OF BRINGING SLOT MACHINE GAMBLING TO THE STATE OF MARYLAND.
ACCORDING TO REPORTS, VOTERS FAVORED APPROVAL OF THE MEASURE ON THE BALLOT BY ALMOST A 3-TO-2 RATIO. THE PLAN, WHICH HAS RECEIVED MAJOR SUPPORT FROM GOV. OMALLY, WOULD ALLOW UP TO 15,000 MACHINES AT FIVE LOCATIONS. THE PURPOSE OF THE MACHINES IS SAID TO BE A MEANS TO BALANCE THE BUDGET, PROTECT EDUCATION FINDING, AND AID MARYLAND'S AILING HORSE RACING INDUSTRY.
OPPONENTS WORRY THAT THE ESTIMATED $660 MILLION THAT THE SLOTS WOULD YIELD ANNUALLY WILL NOT GO TOWARDS EDUCATION. OTHER ISSUES WERE THE SOCIAL ILLS ASSOCIATED WITH GAMBLING, INCLUDING CRIME AND ADDICTION
ANOTHER ISSUE APPROVED IN MARYLAND IS KNOWN AS QUESTION 1, WHICH WILL AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATURE TO ESTABLISH EARLY VOTING STARTING WITH THE 2010 ELECTIONS. THIS MEASURE WAS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED.
-LYNEE COAN
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