Editorial Advisory Board: The real gamble with Horseshoe Casino

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In November 2012, Question 7 was approved by Maryland voters – after the most costly campaign in the state’s history –allowing for the addition of table games in all casinos. Two years later, the $442 million Horseshoe Casino opened in downtown Baltimore.

Together, these two events were championed by gambling proponents, who promised that an influx of casino revenue would generate millions of dollars toward improving education, stimulating economic growth and increasing employment. While the state’s expanded gambling industry has succeeded in the latter, it has fallen short of its promises regarding education. Although $387.7 million has been contributed to the Maryland Education Trust Fund, thousands of Maryland public school teachers and staff face possible termination because the increase in casino revenue is not being applied towards the prior year’s allotment.

Instead, the newly generated revenue simply replaces, not adds to, general fund revenue normally spent on schools. Although legislation did not specifically promise that casino revenue from the Horseshoe would be deposited into the fund in addition to the funds already in it – thereby significantly increasing money for education – the implications were strong and misleading.

If gaming revenue were applied to current funding, rather than serving as a mere replacement, perhaps Maryland would have much more of a winning chance in its work to improve the education system.

Separately, there has been a spike in crime stemming from the newly built casino. Since its opening, more than 120 arrests have been made at Horseshoe Casino. Incidents have ranged from minor nuisance crimes, such as trespass and disorderly conduct, to much more serious offenses, such as armed robbery and child endangerment.

One recent crime, an assault on a security guard, was caught on video and has since gone viral. The video shows a casino patron arguing with the security guard and then punching him the face knocking him to the ground. Other allegations include patrons watching successful gamblers cash in their winnings, following them home and robbing them at gunpoint and parents leaving their minor children in the car for hours while they are gambling.

The amount of money necessary to fund officers responding to these crimes was not adequately addressed by the proponents of passing Question 7. Perhaps the spike in criminal activity can reasonably be attributed to inadequate security, an unlimited alcohol license and lax enforcement of the age requirement.

We urge the General Assembly to enact legislation mandating that the casino revenue be deposited in the Maryland Education Trust Fund and dedicated as additional funding above and beyond the annual general fund appropriation established under the Bridge to Excellence Act. Moreover, we also recommends that the casino review and implement their rules and regulations as an effort to reduce the spike in criminal activity.

Editorial Advisory Board members Wesley D. Blakeslee, Arthur F. Fergenson, Caroline Griffin, Elizabeth Kameen, William Reynolds and H. Mark Stichel did not participate in this opinion.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

James B. Astrachan, Chair

Wesley D. Blakeslee

Arthur F. Fergenson

Daniel F. Goldstein

Caroline Griffin

Elizabeth Kameen

Ericka King

Stephen Meehan

C. William Michaels

William Reynolds

Norman Smith

Tracy L. Steedman

H. Mark Stichel

Ferrier R. Stillman

Anwar L. Young

The Daily Record Editorial Advisory Board is composed of members of the legal profession who serve voluntarily and are independent of The Daily Record. Through their ongoing exchange of views, members of the Board attempt to develop consensus on issues of importance to the Bench, Bar and public. When their minds meet, unsigned opinions will result. When they differ, majority views and signed rebuttals will appear. Members of the community are invited to contribute letters to the editor and/or columns about opinions expressed by the Editorial Advisory Board.