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When it comes to gambling, Maryland seems to progress more slowly than its neighboring states in the Northeast such as Pennsylvania and Delaware. Lawmakers began discussing recently a number of proposals on gambling expansion, specifically table games. In 2008, a constitutional amendment that allows up to 15,000 slot machines in five sites was approved by voters in Maryland. The measure, anticipated to produce revenue of hundreds of millions of dollars per year, encountered problems along the way due to the economic crisis. Of the five slots locations, only three have been granted licenses, and two facilities could open by early fall—one near Interstate 95 in Cecil County and a horse racing track near Ocean City.

Last Thursday, state senators debated amending legislation that would allow table games at one racetrack and subsequently at five other locations. That same day, members of the House of Delegates recommended a bill authorizing slots locations to offer table games, and another bill that would put slot machines at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport as well as veteran organizations across the state. These organizations’ funding depends a great deal on gambling and the machines would be a big help. “A lot of veterans are getting older, a lot of members aren’t coming anymore so we’re losing money,” said Frederick Taylor, a Vietnam veteran from Largo.

Sen. C. Anthony Muse, D-Prince George’s wants a proposal allowing card games at the ailing Rosecroft Raceway to be submitted to voters. Gov. Martin O’Malley said through his spokesman that he is not keen on expanding gambling in the state, but the legislation is being earnestly discussed by senators. “We stand to lose in June about 600 jobs if this bill is not passed,” Muse said. Muse fears that expanding the measure to other sites may kill his legislation. Senate Republican leader Allan Kittleman, though, favors allowing voters to approve table games in other locations and said he suggests creating a commission to select five other sites in addition to Rosecroft.

Baltimore County Sen. Dolores Kelley said now may be the right time to discuss a referendum on table games, and during a Senate debate, she said, “It does concern us that all of the states that surround us — if we’re going to depend on this income — are better situated now than we are. If our people want to be equal to or competitive with the surrounding states, it makes sense.” Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said, “We need to get on the train as quickly as possible,” adding that the state is “way behind the bubble” on gambling as Maryland residents spend their gambling money in other states.

On the other hand, Stop Slots Maryland chairman Aaron Meisner, a slots foe, said his group cautioned Maryland voters that further expansion of gambling would surely happen after slots are approved. “All bets are off. You’re going to have fully metastasized gambling in this state,” Meisner said.