Monday, December 3, 2012
Almost 90 percent of Marylanders have gambled in their lifetime with 22 percent gambling monthly, CNS Maryland's Kelsey Pospisil reports.
TELL US: Do you think gambling addiction will grow in Maryland if a new casino opens in Prince George's County? Join the discussion in our comments.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
The successful push for table games in Maryland was a costly campaign.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Mayland voters narrowly approved Question 7 last week, but not before a lot of money was spent.
Groups with a stake in Maryland's referendum on expanded gambling spent more than $35 a vote during the 2012 campaign, according to an analysis by WTOP. Unofficial results from the Maryland Board of Elections show that 2,479,262 people cast a vote on Question 7, which asked residents whether they favored the introduction of table games to the state and the addition of a sixth casino in Prince George's County. The measure narrowly passed by a margin of 51.9 percent to 48.1 percent. But before the matter was decided, opponents and supporters undertook enormous advertising efforts to sway voters. Casino operators that stood to benefit—including MGM Resorts International, CBAC Gaming LLC, and The Peterson Companies—were pitted against casinos …
Monday, November 5, 2012
Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot face off on Question 7 before voters decide the gambling question Tuesday.
Maryland's Question 7 is one of the most controversial ballot initiatives facing voters when they head to the polls Tuesday, and it hits close to home in the Washington, DC, area. A top proponent and a leading opponent of Maryland's gambling provision argue their positions in Patch's Local Voices section. Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III is in favor of gambling expansion, while Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is in opposition. "Arguments for the facility echo the ones I have made: that it will create jobs, generate revenue, and establish a destination with world class amenities that serves both residents and tourists," Baker wrote. "The “staggering hypocrisy” of casino owners funding an anti-casino referendum was …
A look at what's at stake—and how the battle is being waged.
Note: This article was originally published on Oct. 25 but is being featured again ahead of Tuesday's election. WHAT IT'S ABOUT Question 7 asks voters whether they favor a plan to expand gambling in Maryland that would: The ballot question is a result of legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly during its 2012 special session (view the House and Senate roll calls) and signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley. Several other portions of the law are not subject to a referendum. Slot machines have been permitted in the state since voters approved a gaming referendum (59 percent to 41 percent) in November 2008. Passage of Question 7 would mark a significant shift, however, bringing Maryland's casinos closer in line with those of Atlantic City …
The politics of religion in Maryland.
Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - Religious beliefs have played a major role in the debates in Maryland over same-sex marriage, the Dream Act and gaming expansion. Capital News Service surveyed religious organizations, congregations, individual members and religious leaders and asked for their thoughts on Questions 4, 6 and 7. This graphic is not meant to represent entire faiths, only to sample how some people within different faiths report they feel. With reporting by Dana Amihere of Capital News Service.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
A civil case adds to the controversy over Question 7.
Capital News Service ANNAPOLIS - Former Prince George's County Councilman Thomas Dernoga filed a lawsuit Friday challenging the constitutionality of the expanded gambling referendum. If successful, the lawsuit could nullify the results of Question 7 on Tuesday. The suit argues that in order for Question 7 to pass, the majority of all registered voters, not just those who turn out to vote, would need to approve the measure. The suit names Gov. Martin O'Malley, Attorney General Doug Gansler, the State Board of Elections and others as defendants. "There has been some confusion created about the standard required to certify the election result," Dernoga said. Dernoga's claim is based on the language of the constitutional amendment that …
Sunday, October 28, 2012
A look at what's at stake—and how the battle is being waged.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Question 7 has drawn the most expensive media campaign Maryland has ever seen as casino interests spar over gambling’s impact on schools funding.
The ads seem clear about next month’s referendum on expanding Maryland’s casino industry: “Question 7 will produce $199 Million in new funding for Maryland schools every year,” says VoteForSeven.com. Yet, “There is nothing in Question 7 or state law that requires the state to use gaming revenues to spend more on education than it would otherwise,” according to VoteNoOn7.com. The truth, according to news reports, appears to be: Both. With only two weeks before voters decide whether to add a sixth casino and to allow Vegas-style table games like poker and roulette, opponents and supporters have spent more than $50 million on the ad war to persuade voters ahead of the Nov. 6 election—spending unprecedented in Maryland, according to the …
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Less than 20 voters were affected, according to the governor's office.
A small number of Prince George's and Montgomery County voters were sent absentee ballots for the Nov. 6 election that are missing a second page, the governor's office announced Wednesday. The omitted section contains and state ballot questions 4 to 7, which address key issues such as the legalization of gay marriage, a proposed expansion of gambling in Maryland, and the Dream Act. Several county-level referenda were also left out. In a statement, Gov. Martin O'Malley said the number of affected voters was less than 20. "The Board of Elections is working to investigate what caused this issue," O'Malley added. Voters who requested absentee ballots are urged to check them and ensure that a second page is included. Residents with an …
Jeff Hawkins
12:41 pm on Monday, December 3, 2012
Yes.....it's possible gambling addiction will grow. That's kind of a silly question is it not. If prostitution is legalized in Maryland............will more folks "visit" prostitutes? Another silly question by me. As for issues that could arise from building casinos......i think the horse is out of the barn on that one now.....   more ›