The Regular Person’s Guide to the

Maryland Slot Machine Referendum

Timetable

November 4, 2008 – Maryland General Election – Voters approve or disapprove slots proposal.

If slot proposal is approved,

January 1, 2009 – On or before this day, the State Racing Commission will submit a report to the General Assembly regarding any necessary statutory changes.

February 1, 2009 – Bid process begins for slot facilities or VLTs ($3 million license fee required for each 500 VLTs). All initial license fees submitted accrue to the Education Trust Fund (ETF). Each bids for a VLT license to operate VLT’s must include a commitment of at least $25 million for construction and related cost for each 500 VLTs.

July 1, 2009 – Problem and pathological gambling prevalence study to be completed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). Replication studies to be conducted no less than every five years.

December 15, 2010 – Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) to report first study to Legislative Policy Committee (approximate cost = $50,000).

February 2011 – (estimated) Anne Arundel and Worcester Counties’ locations begin operation (locations with existing facilities).

August 2011 – (estimated) Baltimore City, Cecil and Allegany Counties’ (Rocky Gap) locations begin operation (locations without existing facilities).

September 30, 2013 – Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) to report second study to Legislative Policy Committee (approximate cost = $50,000).

Source: Maryland Department of Legislative Services Fiscal Note and Bill Text of SB 3 http://mlis.state.md.us/2007s1/fnotes/bil_0003/sb0003.pdf and http://mlis.state.md.us/2007s1/chapters_noln/Ch_4_sb0003E.pdf

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