Sunday, March 3, 2013
Maryland Live Casino plans to open 122 tables on April 11.
Arundel Mills’ Maryland Live! Casino will debut 122 tables of live action games on April 11, according to a Washington Post article. Last November, Maryland voters approved Question 7, allowing Maryland Live and two other gambling establishments to not only offer table games in 2013, but to stay open 24 hours a day. To make room for the table games, more than 400 slot machines are being removed. The initial live table games will include so-called “carnival” variations of poker such as Pai Gow, three-card and Mississippi stud, as well as blackjack and craps. According to the Post, casino officials plan to add a split-level poker room in Summer 2013. Dealers for the table games were required to take a 12-week course at the Maryland Love …
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 …
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 …
Monday, October 15, 2012
Companies for and against Question 7 have poured millions of dollars into campaign contributions to support, among other things, widespread advertising, CNS reports.
Dana Amihere and Greg Kohn also contributed to this graphic.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
As the high-stakes campaign hits its home stretch, a pair of polls suggest Question 7 could be a losing bet.
Maryland’s casino industry has made a high-profile addition to its roster of supporters after the Washington Redskins came out in favor of a ballot initiative to expand in-state gambling. The NFL team—which is based in Northern Virginia but plays its home games at FedEx Field in Prince George’s County—is calling on its Maryland fans to vote yes on Question 7 when they head to the polls next month. The hotly contested ballot measure would open Maryland’s five casinos to table games such as poker and roulette, add a sixth mega-casino—potentially in Prince George’s—and allow more than 1,000 new video lottery terminals statewide. Question 7’s ultra-expensive advertising campaign—the Baltimore Sun pegs it at $25 million spent so far—has …
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8:35 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
we all know claims on both sides are exagerated. But bottom line is this money is going out of state & we have a way to keep more of it here. And as far as I am concerned if people are willing to gamble and provide a source of income then there is that much less that has to come out of my pocket. But in the end we all know the politicians will find a way to squander the money more ›