Anne Arundel Officials to Change Zoning Laws to Permit Slots Parlors

On March 10th, 2009, the Anne Arundel county administration plans to introduce a proposal that would modify zoning laws to allow slots facilities. The county zoning change is one of the final law modifications necessary to allow legalized gaming to Anne Arundel and it is the only chance for local officials to improve the rules on slots facilities. The proposal includes safeguards for communities like traffic cannot be redirected through neighborhoods and the number of required parking areas.

The Anne Arundel bill would permit slot machines at either of the two locations being considered for the single state license to offer up to 4,750 slot machines in Anne Arundel County. Although the state Video Lottery Facility Location Commission has canceled a bid to install slot machines near Laurel Park, the racing track's owners are filing a lawsuit to have their slots bid reinstated.

The racing track's parent organization, Magna Entertainment, has been involved in making the state legislation and pushing a referendum on slot machines to Maryland state voters in November. Cordish Cos. from Baltimore has proposed constructing a big, resort style casino near the Arundel Mills mall in Hanover.

The Anne Arundel County bill, made by County Executive John R. Leopold's administration, makes a series of conditions a slots facility must follow before it receives approval from the county administration. Anne Arundel's planning and zoning director would decide whether a slots proposal fulfills all the conditions. Leopold said that he is not in favor of slot machines but stated that he will support the decision of the county voters, who have approved the slot machines last year. But the County Council could disapprove zoning changes which could outlaw slot machines in Anne Arundel.

Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Caroline Mitchell