O'Malley Opposes Federal Online Gambling
SALISBURY, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley says state revenues would be hurt if Congress legalizes online gambling.
The governor made the comments in a letter earlier this month to the chair members of a committee charged with looking for ways to cut the federal deficit.
O'Malley said federalized poker and casino gambling would put at risk $19 million generated annually by the state's lottery, its fourth largest revenue source. The governor said lottery retailers and slots locations in the state would also be harmed. The governor noted slots revenues are used for public schools, colleges and universities.
O'Malley wrote that slots parlors in Perryville and Oceans Downs have generated $50 million and revenues are expected to increase as other locations are opened.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
