magna entertainment corp

Since legalized gambling began in Maryland, tens of billions of dollars have been wagered in the state's casinos — spinning off funds for schools, the horse racing industry and local programs that have financed everything from paving and police to iPads and small business loans.

After months of planning, a group led by gambling giant Caesars Entertainment is expected to get the green light today to build a 3,750 slot-machine casino ringed with restaurants a few blocks from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

As builders near completion of the largest slots casino adjacent to Arundel Mills in Hanover, state legislators are considering a bill that would expand slot parlors – and table games —into Prince George's County.

Frank Stronach plans IPOs for six racehorse-ownership companies, which would sell stock in thoroughbreds for $10 apiece.

The Prince George's County Council voted 5-4 to table a bill that would have prohibited slots in the county.

Laurel Park opened Oct. 2, 1911 and has continued to offer live racing for 100 years.

With casinos now operating in Cecil County and on the Eastern Shore, another under construction at Arundel Mills mall, and bidders competing to build slots parlors in Western Maryland and Baltimore, the state's venture into gambling appears to be settling into its final shape.