IS MARYLAND SEEKING THE CORRECT AVENUE TO REDUCE STATE DEBT - MAYBE

Implications: The save all to everyone is casino gambling - it solves all the financial problems that the state may find themselves in. A good statement, however, not always a fact of life. I am sure that the Governor of Maryland has good intentions - gaming is not the cure all that will make debt go away. The first problem for Maryland is to convince their people that casino gaming is legitimate and that it will certainly foster some substantial revenue sharing.

Analysis: If Maryland wants casino gaming and feels the revenue from this enterprize will aid the state coffers - why not? It's a question that can only be answered by the people of the State of Maryland. If the governor has the power to assign gaming licence without the OK from the State Assembly - then why the need to stall. The real answer to the question of weather legalized gaming will erase the debt for the state remains to be seen. I am sure that it's with all good intentions that the governor is suggesting this move to help his state get out of major problems. The problem is, that when push comes to shove, these revenue sharing funds are usually divided up among many projects that don't necessarily reduce the debt it was intended for. I think that the immediate problem facing the powers to be in Maryland is to convince the people of the state the very real benefits of gaming. Most people are interested in how the added revenues will help them. They don't care if it takes time to come about, however they need to be shown the benefits that will touch them on an individual basis - for instance, will it reduce taxes? This will not be an easy sell - there are always the detractors to gaming. Their salvation may be that they have parimutuel betting and this could be sold as an extension of this type of gambling.

The idea of Maryland going slots is not out of the question - the input of some 96,000 slot machines should generate some solid revenue for both the casino and the state. That is, if the state does not tax the properties out of business. The fact of the matter is, there is plenty for all involved and the state should be able to put a serious dent in their financial woes. Will it be their total revenue answer - I seriously doubt it..............