Md. anti-slots groups attracting wealthy supporters

BALTIMORE, MD – (AP) Groups opposed to a November referendum to legalize slots gambling in Maryland are attracting wealthy supporters.

They include Stewart Bainum Jr., a hotel magnate and former state lawmaker who recently donated $10,000 to an anti-slots group.

Bainum says he feels state-sanctioned gaming is a form of regressive taxation, noting state lawmakers would often joke that welfare payments would have to be increased to grow lottery revenues.

Other slots opponents include Nina Rodale Houghton, the president of the Wye Institute, a liberal think tank; Rockville developer Bryant Foulger; and Baltimore developer Otis Warren.

Gov. Martin O'Malley supports the referendum as does Penn National Gaming Inc., a casino and track operator seeking to build a facility in Maryland.

------ Information from: The (Baltimore) Sun