Pro and Anti Slot Machine Supporters Clash on Arundel Mills Mall Slots Facility

On April 3rd, 2009, the fight to offer slot machines to the state of Maryland is far from finished. It has been an ongoing battle for years and now new concerns has surfaced. On one side of the issue, players want the opportunity to play slot machines closer to home. On the other side, some residents fear that having a gaming facility in their neighborhood will just bring negative effects to the community.

Supporters and critics of the slot machines told the Anne Arundel County Council in a hearing in Annapolis their opinions on the proposal to build a slots establishment near the Arundel Mills Mall. In order for that to become a reality, the Anne Arundel Council must approve a change in the zoning laws. The idea of the mall location came about after the owners of the Laurel Park failed to pay an initial slots licensing fee.

Anne Arundel resident Susan Cochren said that they do not want a slots facility in their area because it will have a bad effect in a family-oriented mall like the Arundel Mills. She added that they also feel that the facility will cause a rise in crime rate and other problems.

Sunday, 26 April 2009
Darren G. Strachan