Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Won't expanded gaming bring additional crime to the neighborhoods near the gaming facilities?

A. There is no supportable evidence of significant increases in criminal activity around the gaming facilities in Delaware and West Virginia, the two states bordering Maryland that permit slot machines at their racetracks. In fact, longer operating hours and increased attendance at these facilities are accompanied by a much larger security staff, which serves to dampen criminal activity. As with shopping malls or other retail or recreational locations, there is potential for an increase in criminal behavior because of crowd growth, but that is met with enhanced security. The types of criminal activity most likely to surface - purse snatching, pick-pocketing, etc. - are muted because prospective thieves are aware of the heightened security presence.

Q. Why not include slots at the State Fair Grounds in Timonium?

A. The Governor believes that gambling should be confined to existing gaming locations. The State Fair is not a gaming site in the same sense as the other race tracks in the state are. It only has wagering eight days a year and cannot provide stabling or training opportunities for horsemen throughout the year as the other tracks do.