The slots hearing kicked off at 11 a.m. this morning. Hundreds of slots supporters filled Lawyers’ Mall in front of the Statehouse for a pre-hearing rally.

Maryland Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Ron Wineholt will, once again, outline the Chamber’s support of carefully regulated slot machines in limited locations to fund public education.

The Maryland Chamber believes slots are a reasonable alternative to the tax increases that would otherwise be needed to resolve the State’s $1.5 billion structural budget deficit.

“Marylanders are spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year on this form of entertainment outside the State,” Wineholt said. “Slots are available to Maryland residents; they simply must drive an hour to play them. The chamber believes that we should keep this money at home to help fund public education.”

To view the Chamber’s complete position statement, click here.