That 2012 referendum on gambling had propelled Maryland’s schools into the spotlight of a multimillion-dollar campaign where supporters touted the message that more gambling would be a win for education.
But the measure, approved by voters that fall, has actually worked to send more money to the casino companies in fiscal year 2014 than to the education fund that was established when the state first legalized casino gambling in 2008.
State lottery revenue dropped for the first time in 16 years — $1.7 billion, or 2 percent, in fiscal 2013. The state budget predicts another drop this year.
The “likely cause is the increased competition from casinos,” according to a Maryland General Assembly budget analysis. Another state report found what “appears to be a direct correlation” between a drop in instant ticket sales and retailers’ proximity to a casino.
Legislators’ 2012 attempt to curb political donations from casino owners has failed in at least one case; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues environmental impact draft on Conowingo sediment and the Bay; eight in Maryland congressional delegation asks Obama administration to halt planned seismic testing off mid-Atlantic coast; state OKs sale of National Labor College, keeps union label on it; saying risk is nil, O’Malley holds cabinet-level ebola emergency drill; and is O’Malley penning a pre-presidential run book?
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