Slots debate gears up in Maryland

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – (AP) People on both sides of Maryland's slot machine debate are sparring over how much money the state stands to gain if voters decide to legalize slots in a November referendum.

Frederick Puddester, who chairs a pro-slots group, says slots would raise more than $660 million in revenue in coming years.

But Scott Arceneaux, who is leading an anti-slots group, says it's unknown how much money slots would raise. He also says it would be a mistake to make the state dependent on the money.

The two spoke on a panel organized by The Associated Press for a Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association conference.