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The Regular Person’s Guide to the
Maryland Slot Machine Referendum
Information About the Referendum
The vote on November 4, 2008 will determine whether the Maryland Constitution is amended to authorize 15,000 slot machines at five specified locations and to prohibit further expansion of legal gambling without another referendum.
The provisions in the constitution cannot be changed without another constitutional amendment, approved by the legislature and by another voter referrendum.
If the referendum passes, enabling legislation adopted at the 2007 Special Legislative Session will automatically take effect. This legislation sets out the number of machines at each site, the licensing and regulatory framework for the slot machine operators, the allocation of proceeds and other details.
These provisions can be changed by a vote of the legislature.
Ballot Language
QUESTION 2: AUTHORIZING VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS (SLOT MACHINES) TO FUND EDUCATION
Authorizes the state to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the purpose of raising revenue for education of children in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at community colleges and higher education institutions. No more than a total number of 15,000 video lottery terminals may be authorized in the state, and only one license may be issued for each specified location in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Worcester, and Allegany Counties and Baltimore City. Any additional forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless approved by a voter referendum.
Description of the Constitutional Amendment
The constitutional amendment (House Bill 4/Chapter 5) adds a new article to the Maryland State Constitution to authorize slot machine or video lottery terminal gambling in the State. The main purpose of the authorization of slots is to provide funding for public education, setting limits as to how many licenses the State can issue for operating slot machine gambling, and prohibiting the expansion of commercial gambling in the State.
In order for this constitutional amendment to take effect, it must be approved by voters via ballot on November 4, 2008. The requirements set out in this constitutional amendment cannot be adjusted without another constitutional amendment via three-fifths vote of the Legislature and ratification by the voters.
Description of the Enabling Legislation
The enabling legislation (House Bill 3/Senate Bill 3) sets out the number of video lottery terminals (VLTs) or slot machines at each location throughout the state of Maryland, the manner for selecting the licensees, the manner for regulating and administering slot machine facilitites, the specific allocation of the proceeds, and other details of implementation set out in the legislation.
The enabling legislation (House Bill 3/Senate Bill 3) is contingent on the passage of a constitutional amendment (House Bill 4) through approval of voters come November 4, 2008. It must be emphasized that the enabling legislation, if approved by the voters, is subject to change by future Maryland State Legislatures.
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