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Taxation

Slot Machines in Maryland

Research Report

Erica L. Dinger, J.D., AARP Knowledge Management

February 2007


This executive summary, prepared by Erica Dinger, summarizes major findings from a telephone survey of 801 Maryland residents age 50 and older. Key findings include the following:

  • Half of Marylanders age 50+ strongly (28%) or somewhat (22%) support expanding the state lottery.
  • Almost six in ten 50+ residents strongly (40%) or somewhat (18%) support legalizing slot machines if revenues are used to avoid state budget cuts.
  • Maryland residents age 50 and older believe it is important for revenue generated from slot machines to be used for:
    • Maryland's elementary schools and university system (69%)
    • long-term care, such as nursing-home care or assisted living facilities (61%)
    • transportation, such as road repair, maintenance, and new construction (45%).
  • Over three-fourths of 50+ Marylanders strongly (52%) or somewhat (23%) support using revenue from slot machines to expand home- and community-based services in the state, including home-delivered meals and home health aides.
  • More than seven in ten 50+ residents strongly (50%) or somewhat (21%) support using slot machine revenue to lower the cost of prescription drugs for low- and moderate-income Maryland residents. (12 pages)