Md. board to consider slots referendum language

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – The Maryland State Board of Elections is scheduled to meet Thursday to ratify language for November's ballots, including the disputed wording on the statewide referendum on whether to permit slots in Maryland.

Slot machine opponents contend the proposed wording from Secretary of State John McDonough, who was a gambling lobbyist for two decades, fails to properly reflect where the proceeds would go.

Language drafted by McDonough says that gambling would help fund education but does not offer details about the revenue that would be provided to slots operators and the horse-racing industry.

Slots opponents plan to present alternative language at the Board of Elections meeting.