Governor proposes 10,500 slot machines to boost tax revenue

Friday, Jan. 31, 2003 | 10:42 a.m.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich plans to introduce 10,500 slot machines at four racetracks across the state and to pass two-thirds of expected annual gambling profits of $800 million to public schools, the Washington Post reported today, citing the governor.

A bill permitting the slot machines would mean the racetracks would pay the state $350 million in one-time license fees and 64 percent of the yearly profits, the newspaper said.

Ehrlich remains confident that there will be a bipartisan majority for the bill, though opposition from Democrats has led to its postponement by at least a year, the Post said.

The measure is crucial for Ehrlich, who is banking on legalized gambling to wipe out next year's projected $1.3 billion budget deficit, the paper said. If the plans fall through, it would mean spending cuts or tax increases of $400 million next year and $600 million the following year, the Post said.

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