A powerful state legislator plans to introduce a bill Monday to legalize casino gambling in Maryland. Several major casinos are supporting a similar bill.
Both bills would set up a state regulatory commission to issue permits to casinos offering poker, roulette wheels and slot machines, among other attractions.
Sources familiar with the industry expect Baltimore's Inner Harbor and Prince George's County to be potential sites.
Del. Sheila E. Hixson, chairwoman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is working on a bill that would allow about five casinos in the state and perhaps earmark some of the proceeds for disabled people.
Meanwhile, lobbyists for several casinos, including Harrah's in Nevada and Atlantic City, are working together to draft another bill that would permit nine to 12 casinos in Maryland.
The casinos' proposal calls for local governments to be given the right to ban casinos in their areas, said Gerard E. Evans, lobbyist for Harvey's Casino Resorts, owner of the biggest casino at Nevada's Lake Tahoe.
The biggest allure of casinos across the country has been as a source of revenue for states and cities without taxing citizens or other businesses.
Mr. Evans said states and cities with casinos typically collect 15 percent to 20 percent of a casino's gross receipts. That could come to $25 million to $50 million a year from a 40,000-square-foot casino, he said.
The casino lobbyists have not found a sponsor for the legislation, but Mr. Evans said several delegates have indicated a willingness to introduce the bill on their behalf.
Ms. Hixson, a Montgomery County Democrat, said she would like to see some state proceeds from casinos designated for mental health programs and programs for the developmentally disabled.
"They seem to have suffered the most under the recession," said Ms. Hixson, who also has introduced a bill that would permit gambling on riverboats.
Maryland should look at casino gambling, she said, because surrounding states are considering legalizing it. "We feel the pressure from all sides. We need to be ready to go with something," she said.
Some lawmakers say the money does not justify the social costs of casinos, such as gambling addictions.
Sen. Larry E. Haines, a Republican from Carroll County, said casinos would hurt horse racing and create false hope for gamblers.
"I think it's very poor public policy for government to legalize any additional gambling in Maryland," he said. "There's only so many gambling dollars to go around."
Del. Emmett C. Burns Jr., a Baltimore County Democrat and a Baptist minister, said casinos "make things so convenient for you."
"Food is cheap, and the liquor is cheap if they're not giving it away. It plays on people's weaknesses," Mr. Burns said. "We're going to see a lot of rent money, a lot of car payment money going into gambling. We just don't need that."
Sen. Walter M. Baker, chairman of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which will hold hearings on the bills, took a cautious view yesterday.
"I can't see us passing something as far-reaching as riverboat gambling or casino gambling at this point. I just don't see that as likely," the Eastern Shore Democrat said.
"We have to know what impact this is going to have on existing gambling in Maryland, the state lottery and horse racing. There's only so many gambling dollars out there.
"But I'm a person of reason, and I'm willing to listen to arguments. If they can convince me it's good for the state of Maryland, then I'll go along with it. But it's going to take a lot of convincing."
Gov. Parris N. Glendening is reserving opinion. "He in general is not much for expanding any gambling, but he has to take a look at what's coming up," said his communications director, Tim Ayers.
Under the casino industry bill, the commission would be given the power to conduct full investigations of applicants' criminal, work, educational and financial backgrounds, said lobbyist James J. Doyle Jr., who is helping draft the measure.