On Friday, March 19, the Maryland Senate gave preliminary approval for card games at Rosecroft Raceway, subject to approval by a voter-supported constitutional

amendment.

The measure was supported by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, and according to the Baltimore Sun “stirred a broad debate about enhancing gambling options in Maryland.”

The state is still struggling to get its slot machine program, approved two years ago, underway. A motion to expand the local Rosecroft card provision to Maryland’s five slot machine locations, which do not include Rosecroft, was defeated. After some technical adjustment this week, the proposal will also require passage by Maryland’s House of Delegates.

During consideration of the Rosecroft bill in the Senate, the Budget and Taxation Committee effectively killed a proposal for table games at slot locations by asking for a study as to how they would affect gambling in the state.

(With files from the Baltimore Sun and Harness Tracks of America)