Maryland's Legislative Plan Unclear

The Maryland General Assembly convenes Jan. 12 for a session expected to include aid for horse racing, but action on the expansion of gambling is questionable.

A few aspects of the agreement between the Maryland Jockey Club and horsemen and breeders to maintain a full live racing schedule in 2011 require legislative action. They are a shift in revenue from slot machines to be used for racing operations rather than capital improvements, and the possible closure of the Bowie Training Center.

MJC minority owner Penn National Gaming Inc. has indicated it wants to pursue legislative changes that would give MJC-owned Laurel Park a chance to get slots. Currently the law limits the number of slots parlors to five; the one earmarked for Laurel will be built at the nearby Arundel Mills Mall.

In addition, new interest in bankrupt Rosecroft Raceway, a Washington, D.C.-area harness track, is tied in large part to pursuit of slots. Some lawmakers favor a slots expansion, but others oppose it.