Judge Rejects Laurel Slots Appeal
An Anne Arundel County judge today rejected a challenge to Maryland's slot machine-gambling law by Laural Racing Association, whose bid to operate a slots parlor was disqualified last month by a state panel.
Circuit Court Judge William C. Mulford II ruled that a required $28.5 million licensing fee is refundable and is permitted under the state constitution. Lawyers for Laurel had argued otherwise in an effort to have the track's bid for a slots license reconsidered. Laurel failed to submit the licensing fee with its application.
Laurel has also filed administrative appeals to overturn the state's decision. Those are scheduled to be discussed tomorrow by the state panel, which is meeting in Annapolis. A competing bid to operate a slots parlor at Arundel Mills mall is under consideration by the panel.
A spokesman for Laurel said it is considering an appeal of the court decision.
Here is complete coverage of the slots issue.
By
Anne Bartlett
|
March 11, 2009; 5:53 PM ET
Categories:
John Wagner
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Posted by: demtse | March 11, 2009 8:54 PM | Report abuse
Supporters of slots poured millions into a campaign to convince the public to vote for slots referendum. And they used their money to work the electoral system to their benefit. Now they come face to face with rules of bidding designed to protect the public. And are frustrated when they cannot buy their way out. You want this sort to do business in your neighborhood? Or crawl into bed with this sort to fund public education?
Posted by: Towards_Light | March 11, 2009 9:12 PM | Report abuse
Laurel Park owners Magna just filed for bankruptcy. Easy to see why a judge would rule that they should not be given "special" treatment. They didn't pay their fee, they don't get to play.
IMHO better that slots go Arundel Mills. More people go there already as compared to Laurel Park.
Posted by: caffreyt | March 12, 2009 1:02 AM | Report abuse
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The ridculous 28MILLION license fee, is designed to deter and otherwise discourage people from applying for slots. The Maryland state government is clearly going against the wishes of the people who voted in favor of slots. Now its up to the citizens of Md to vote out those legislators who are keeping slots out of Md, and usurpring the will of the people.