Maryland the latest state to take up online gambling legislation

[The Buzz]

Maryland has become the latest state to join the fray in the online gambling debate. As always, some in the state are crying foul.

From the Baltimore Sun ...

The sudden emergence of the Internet gambling issue raises the possibility that the General Assembly could approve a radical change to Maryland's gambling program with little more than a week for public discussion and limited time for hearings.

"It's not late in the game for something like this to be part of whatever the final package is," said Todd Eberly, professor of political science at St. Mary's College of Maryland. "It's absolutely late in the game for something like this to get the discussion it deserves."

Critics say such a move, which was hardly mentioned in a recent work group's study of casino expansion, is fraught with dangers, including an increase in the number of gambling addicts — including minors who would be denied entry to a conventional casino. But others see it as the natural evolution of Maryland's venture into legalized gambling and a necessary step to compete with neighboring states.

Full story here: http://articles.baltimoresun.com/201...nd-live-casino

[The Buzz]

Well, time to backtrack on that. The Maryland legislature will not take up online gambling this year, it turns out.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...161d_blog.html

[Anthony]

One step forward, two steps back.

I think once a couple states move forward and start generating revenue, many others will jump on the band wagon.