The seven member panel that will oversee the award of five slot machine licences in Maryland next year is in the process of being named. In the November referendum, following a US$7 million campaign in favour, voters agreed by 59% to 41% to allow the slot machine venues. Now great care is being taken to ensure that the Commission has no connections with the gaming industry. Lawyers, judges, people from outside the areas that will have slots venues – the highest ethical credentials have been sought.

The constitutional amendment ratified last month allows a total of 15,000 slot machines in Baltimore City and the counties of Anne Arundel, Cecil, Worcester and Allegany. The gaming tax set by the legislature is 66% and likely to hamper applications for the casino licences, which are due in February. Recently big name companies have pulled out of several casino developments across the US and the newly formed Commission in Maryland may have to reconsider current legislation.

Last week it was reported that two university officials declined to chair the Commission and a college president declined an invitation to become one of the seven panel members. Around half the slots gross revenue is earmarked for education in Maryland but that revenue is likely to be considerably less than originally anticipated. The slots venues in Pennsylvania are so far fairly buoyant but across the nation, from Nevada to New Jersey, revenues are falling. Prospective operators will have to gamble on the situation improving by the time the first Maryland slots venue opens. (E-12.08.08)

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