Racetracks and Gambling Companies Benefit Slots Lobbyists
A recent report presented during a session of the Maryland Ethics Commission demonstrated that this year, slots lobbyists collected approximately $1.4 million from gambling companies. Casino venues, race track facilities, slots equipment manufacturers and other gambling companies invested money in the battle for favorable slots legislation.
The total amount of the money received might be even bigger, since some reports had not yet been submitted to the commission. However, it will probably not surpass the $2 millions raised in each of the two years previous. Among the top spenders were two leading state racetracks- Pimlico and Laurel. Both facilities paid Alan M. Rifkin, attorney at law, $102,500 for his services.
Although the battle between slots opponents and supporters does not benefit the racing industry, it certainly is a blessing for slots lobbyists. According to the latest report provided by the State Ethics Commission regarding the 2003 legislative session, the top three gambling entertainment providers spent approximately $1.9 million in the said year.
