Peter Reuter, Ph.D., Executive Director
301 West Preston St., Suite 1400
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 767-1279
The Joint Executive-Legislative Task Force to Study Commercial Gaming Activities in Maryland was created in 1995 (Chapter 579, Acts of 1995). The Task Force charge was to evaluate commercial gaming or gambling in terms of its impact on: law enforcement; crime; nonprofit gaming; charitable institutions; and various economic concerns, such as horse racing, hotels, restaurants, agriculture, and tourism. The Task Force studied the public perception of commercial gaming and the effect of commercial gaming on ethical matters. The effects of commercial gaming on compulsive gambling also were addressed. In addition, the Task Force gauged the fiscal impact of commercial gaming on State and local government revenues and expenditures, particularly with regard to the State Lottery. The extent of potential economic development from commercial gaming, and the legal status of commercial gaming in other states were considered as well as the feasibility of State regulation of all gaming in Maryland through pre-emption of local gaming laws.
The Task Force had nine members. Five were appointed by the Governor in consultation with the Senate President and House Speaker. Two were senators chosen by the Senate President, and two were delegates selected by the House Speaker.
On December 15, 1995, the Task Force reported to the Governor, the Senate President, and the House Speaker.
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