Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Won't slots at the tracks place unusual burdens on the local communities through additional traffic, parking demands and social problems associated with gaming?

A. Traffic studies underway by both private consultant and government specialists indicated that while the facilities will generate increased traffic, the impact will be more like that of a regional shopping mall than, say, a baseball or football stadium. The customers going to the tracks will be spread throughout the facilities' operating hours rather than during highly concentrated periods such as occur around athletic events. While some infrastructure improvements will likely be required adjacent to the tracks, they will be paid for from local shares of gaming tax revenues and will benefit the local neighborhoods and the local economy. Parking at the tracks will be expanded as necessary to meet demand. Customers will, obviously, wish to park as close to their destination as possible. While slots will increase the number of gaming customers in the state, and thus the number of problem gamblers, numerous studies indicate that the incidence of problem gambling varies between 1% and 2% of all customers. Any legislation will contain meaningful funding to assist with problem gambling initiatives. The lottery, with its widespread distribution in local communities, is a far more pervasive and regressive form of gambling than either racing or slots at tracks, which are confined to a few locations and are tightly regulated. Maryland slots customers now take their business to neighboring states, several hundred million dollars worth annually, and will likely have more options as Pennsylvania prepares legislation to expand gaming at its racetracks - and perhaps beyond.