Laurel Park Undecided About Pro-Slots Movement

On March 27th, 2008, the largely mired in credit operators of the horse racing track Laurel Park are reportedly hesitant about donating some cash to the pro-slots movement, despite the horse trade's backing of the slot machines as one of the industry saving tools. Entertainment Corporation is still not sure on whether they will contribute money to the movement to offer slot machines to Laurel-though the racing track operator is publicly known to be losing some cash on most of its possession, like the Laurel Park. Back in February, they have a $43 million loss.

A referendum in November will decide the faith of the slot machines in Maryland. Some of the other locations that are being considered are Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The law approved by the Maryland General Assembly just last year during a session states that the city will receive 12% of the net profit from the slot machines after all the allocations are made. The chairman of the pro-slots organization for Maryland, For Our Future and a senior associate dean at John Hopkins University, Frederick Puddester said that he was not worried about the financial contribution of Magna to pro-slots campaign.

The executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission, Mike Hopkins commented that his organization supports the referendum because it will be advantageous to the racing circuit. The executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Cricket Goodall commented that she hopes that Magna will support the pro-slots movement.

Friday, 04 April 2008
Darren G. Strachan