Maryland casino operators wanted table games; those in neighboring states would rather we kept it to slots. So, with well-moneyed, vested interests on both sides of the expanded gambling referendum — which, as you probably know, passed — the battle became “by far” the most expensive political campaign in Maryland history, topping $93 million.
But you know what’s really interesting? The referendum passed 52 percent to 48 percent, which represents — within one percentage point — the margin by which the winners outspent the losers. (The pro-seveners spent $49.4 million to the anti-seveners’ 44.1 million.)
I find a great irony in that neither West Virginia’s nor Maryland’s casino operators were willing to leave this vote to chance.
