If the gambling moguls of Las Vegas have their way, Maryland soon will be a casino state. They are mounting a major effort to stampede legislators and the governor into approving broad-scale gaming. But there's a catch: Outsiders and their well-heeled in-state partners and lobbyists will be the main beneficiaries.
The scene in Annapolis these days is not encouraging. A dozen well-paid lobbyists are wining and dining legislators, flying in casino executives and hiring public relations firms to persuade everyone that casinos are clean, wholesome and profitable entertainment venues that can help solve financial problems for the state, the cash-strapped city and the counties.
This situation threatens to get out of hand. Two massive casino bills have been prepared in Annapolis -- by lawyers for the casinos. Legislators are almost incidental to this activity. The lobbyists are calling the shots.
There's an aroma to this activity that is repugnant and deeply disturbing. The equivocating comments of Gov. Parris N. Glendening, House Speaker Casper R. Taylor and Senate President Thomas V. Miller have simply emboldened lobbyists for the casinos to redouble their legalization efforts during the current 90-day General Assembly session.
Privately, these three elected leaders have expressed alarm at what's been happening. But more than that is now required. What's needed is a clear sign that all gambling legislation is a dead issue for this session of the legislature. A blue-ribbon commission ought to be impaneled to make an exhaustive study of the legalization issue: Would casinos kill this state's billion-dollar horse-racing industry? How many -- if any -- casinos would be appropriate? Where? How should casinos be policed? Can local police departments cope with increased criminal activity near casinos? Would casinos hurt local restaurant and hotel business? Would casinos mar this state's character and quality of life?
There is no need to rush into a decision this state may later regret. No neighboring state is even close to legalizing casino gambling.
There are strong indications Mr. Glendening understands the necessity to seize the initiative. Let's first study the ramifications of casinos in Maryland so our top elected leaders -- not the lobbyists -- can make an informed decision on whether full-scale gambling is in this state's best interest.