The Baltimore County Council unanimously passed a bill last week that allows off-track betting at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, but also bans any casino gaming from being established at the location.
The ban is meant to appease local residents who have been fighting establishment of the OTB facility at the fairgrounds. Opponents have repeatedly predicted that the OTB facility would open the door for a casino or slot machines at the fairgrounds. The ban, which applies even if the fairgrounds changes facility changes owners, was added after negotiations between the Maryland Jockey Club, which will operate the OTB facility, and community leaders.
“The Maryland State Fair promises to not seek casinos in the future. Period,” said County Councilman Wade Kach, the bill’s sponsor, after a County Council work session on the bill March 29. “It’s forever.”
