Maryland Casinos & Gambling
Maryland Gambling :: Maryland Casinos :: Maryland Casino List
In the 50?s, the state of Maryland was known as ?Little Vegas?. At that time, there were about 5,000 legal slot terminals in operation, until these were abolished in 1968.
At present, lawmakers and gambling proponents are petitioning for ?New Slots? legislation. Already being debated for the last three years, these slot terminals may once again find their way in the counties of Maryland.
Current Maryland state laws stipulate that gambling is illegal in the Free State. There are no casinos here but legalized gambling covers some gambling activity to include: bingo games, horse track racing, greyhound racing and state lotteries.
There are five operating racetracks in Maryland located at Baltimore, Laurel, Berlin, Fort Washington and Timonium respectively, where pari-mutuel and off-track betting or wagering is allowed. To boost tourism and to revive the dwindling popularity of horse track racing (no thanks to casinos on states bordering Maryland), city officials here thought it wise to propose an allocation of a total of 9,500 slot machines at racetracks in four locations of these Maryland counties. Earnings of these slot machine terminals are projected to go to educational funding and various development projects.
While casino operators interested in investing in Maryland prefer to develop a stand-alone casino establishment here, they are also interested in running slot parlors at these racetracks. These slot machines, after all, make about two thirds of casino revenues.
Maryland Poker Scene
Like slot terminals, poker used to be very popular in Maryland some fifteen years ago, and these days, the games are slowly coming back. Even while most forms of gambling are still outlawed in this state, there are certain provisions permitting gambling entertainment in Maryland. So long as these games benefit charitable organizations, a permit to hold such an event is granted by the gaming commission. Maryland gambling laws are not as stringent as some states and its long history of gaming activity has proven that.
Hence, poker tournaments are held in Maryland in many bars and restaurants and just recently, the Texas Hold? Em Poker Tournament, a game now very widely popular across the United States.
Maryland Lottery and Bingo
State lottery was first legalized in 1973 in Maryland as a way to raise money by churches and fraternal organizations, to be used for public works. A succeeding state lottery referendum bill eventually allowed licensing of ?coin play? machines paying ?merchandise premiums? in place of cash.
Organized bingo events are also a favorite gaming activity here, particularly among the elderly. Ironically, ?Instant Bingo? machines, often mistaken as slot machines, are found in many areas in Maryland particularly Chesapeake Beach. Proponents say however, these machines are not exactly slot terminals and are played following the rules confined in Bingo games.
Lodging Info
Days Inn Inner Harbor Hotel
100 Hopkins Place
Baltimore, MD 21201
1. Near Baltimore's National Aquarium, Raven Stadium and Inner Harbor
2. This award winning hotel has 4 restaurants
Hyatt Regency Baltimore
300 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
1. Near Maryland's Museum Industry and the Maryland Science Center
2. Tennis courts, golf, swimming pool, babysitting/child services
Fairfield Inn By Marriott Laurel
13700 Baltimore Avenue
Laurel, MD 20707
1. Features a fitness center
2. Just 3 miles away from the Laurel Park and Race Track
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