Expanding Gambling in Maryland Beyond Simply Slots - It's a Crap Shoot

Maryland may not be keeping up with the Joneses in the gambling arena. Maryland voters opened its doors to gambling in 2008 when voters authorized slot machines in Maryland.  But neighboring states West Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania offer table games as well as slots.  Some Maryland residents have been crossing state lines to indulge in a more “well rounded gambling experience”.  For example, neighboring Pennsylvania’s Penn National’s property in Charles Town provides far more to its patrons than Maryland’s slots only venues.  Penn National offers table games, racetrack, upscale restaurants, hotel, bars, and music venues.  The competition is fierce.  The current debate to expand Maryland’s gambling offerings beyond “just slots” is hot and heavy in Annapolis.  The 2008 “slots only” referendum passed because it was a moderate first step.  Will Marylanders want to jump full force into casino operations?  Wanna bet on it?