Almost 90 percent of Marylanders have gambled in their lifetime with 22 percent gambling monthly, CNS Maryland's Kelsey Pospisil reports.
TELL US: Do you think gambling addiction will grow in the state of Maryland if a new casino opens in Prince George's County?
Mayland voters narrowly approved Question 7 last week, but not before a lot of money was spent.
Groups with a stake in Maryland's referendum on expanded gambling spent more than $35 a vote during the 2012 campaign, according to an analysis by WTOP. Unofficial results from the Maryland Board of Elections show that 2,479,262 people cast a vote on Question 7, which asked residents whether they favored the introduction of table games to the state and the addition of a sixth casino in Prince George's County. The measure narrowly passed by a margin of 51.9 percent to 48.1 percent. But before the matter was decided, opponents and supporters undertook enormous advertising efforts to sway voters. Casino operators that stood to benefit—including MGM Resorts International, CBAC Gaming LLC, and The Peterson Companies—were pitted against casinos …
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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 …
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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 ›
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 …
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7:51 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
I hear all of these negatives to it - like that it stipulates Union Labor and that labor will come from outside MD. So, where does it stipulate that and where are the specifics? And, certainly their will be some jobs for MDers. If there are other jobs created because of this, even outside of MD (if need-be) isn't that a good thing too. Like taxes expected to generate from hotel taxes, extra … more ›
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.
11:12 am on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
How come independents (unaffiliated with a specific religion) are not in the table? Of course, there is no spokesperson; however polls do show that the majority of such voters do show common positions on these issues. more ›
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 …
8:36 am on Sunday, March 31, 2013
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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 …
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12:36 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I agree with you 100% send the illegals back to where they came from, it is against the law to break into some ones home, business etc... It is against the law to break into our country too. As part of the dream act they are to graduate from high school, so they are stealing my tax dollars again by going to our schools etc... Ah what the EF just open the borders and let everyone come on in and we… more ›
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.
10:52 am on Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Thanks, Bowie Patch for putting this together - I was looking for something like this to help me vote on this issue. This does help. more ›
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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11:44 am on Thursday, October 4, 2012
I will vote for Question 7 when one of them trades homes with me and/or they let me be the quarterback or even the coach. Not a chance in Hell! Do I want increases in crime? A construction job for someone in VA or PA to come to MD for. To discourage Disney and good retail and restaurants coming. CasiNO! more ›
Katie Griffith
12:02 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Good point, Michael! Thanks for the comment. I'm interested to see what others have to say. more ›