Anti-slots groups reject gaming money

July 15, 2008

Groups fighting the legalization of slot machines in Maryland said yesterday that they don't intend to take money from gambling interests and that both sides need to reject such contributions to have a fair debate.

Two longtime slots opponents, StopSlots Maryland and NO Casino Maryland, said yesterday that they would reject contributions from gambling companies. A similar pledge was made by Marylanders United to Stop Slots, a group launched in April that counts Comptroller Peter Franchot and other prominent elected officials as its chief backers.

Penn National Gaming Inc., a national casino operator, recently secured an option to buy Cecil County land where it could operate a slots venue and has vowed to help push for slots at the polls.

Laura Smitherman