Gambling Escalation Battle Leads to Table Gaming for Maryland
As US states vie to keep their sources of gambling revenue competitive with their neighbors, gambling on table games is being legalized by many. The latest state to introduce a bill to permit blackjack, baccarat, and other games is Maryland. Legislation to change the Maryland constitution to allow legal table gaming, including poker, was introduced yesterday by Frank Turner. If the bill passes, the subject will be placed on a public ballot in November.
A battle has been ongoing between Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey to offer the greatest selection of available gaming to the area's players. Delaware and Pennsylvania both recently authorized state casinos to feature table games.
Initially, only New Jersey had legal gambling. But the other states grew tired seeing their residents flock to Atlantic City, carrying taxable dollars with them. Soon, slots were introduced at Delaware race tracks.
Pennsylvania went further, establishing licensed, stand-alone casinos throughout the state, allowing slot players to gamble close to home. Then, as Maryland passed its own law permitting slots at racing venues, Pennsylvania and Delaware passed table gaming legislation.
Now Maryland lawmakers seek to stay even in the gambling escalation. But New Jersey is looking to re-establish its dominance in gaming, suing the federal government to force legalization of sports betting, while considering a bill that would allow casinos to offer patrons online gambling within state borders.
