Maryland House Agrees To Let Voters Decide Slot Question

[docicu3]

Long after the final race at Laurel was over with only a few hundred simulcast customers remaining at Laurel Park the announcement that the Maryland House had narrowly past legislation that would place the slot question in the hands of Maryland voters echoed over the intercom Friday night.

Though the necessary companion Senate bill remained still in question the sentiment at Laurel Park was part surprise and part relief as the remaining patrons mulled over a pending Hollywood card that complimented the usual night racing available at Charles Town and Mountaineer themselves slot havens with purses competitive with many major day venues.

The current bill would place the question on the Maryland 2008 November referendum in concert with the national presidential election ensuring a solid turnout next fall as Maryland tries to rescue it's once proud but regressing horse racing industry active at three venues of significance throughout the calendar year.

The horse may have left the stall but hopefully the barn door is yet to close...

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/loc...l_tab01_layout