ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Now that voters have approved allowing slot machines in Maryland, Gov. Martin O'Malley is moving ahead with preparations for implementing them.
O'Malley needs to appoint four additional members to the current five-member Maryland Lottery Commission to handle the added responsibilities.
The state will also create a separate commission to determine exactly where slots will be located; it will decide which operators get the five licenses. O'Malley will appoint three members to the commission, while the state Senate president and House speaker will appoint two each.
O'Malley said he doesn't have a time frame for making the appointments. But he intends to get the process moving to help bring revenue to the state as soon as possible.
The passage of Maryland's slot machine referendum should help keep the Preakness and the state's horse industry "strong for years to come," said Maryland Jockey Club president and CEO Tom Chuckas.
He said in a written statement Wednesday the organization would turn its attention to working with the state on licensing issues.
Laurel Park race track is a potential Anne Arundel County slots venue. The Maryland Jockey Club is expected to seek a slots license for the track.
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Slots will enable the state's racing industry to compete more effectively with nearby states, Chuckas said.
