Arundel Mills Will Have Temporary Slots Parlor

HANOVER, Md. (WJZ) -- This time next year, there will be an added attraction at Arundel Mills Mall:  slots.  The Cordish Company has figured out a way to draw in the dollars even before its permanent facility at the mall is built.

Pat Warren has more on the plan.

The urgency to get this casino up and running isn't all coming from the Cordish Company.  The state is running way behind on the money it could make.

The state could be on a roll once more than one slots casino opens.  The operation in Perryville has generated $21 million since it opened in September and Ocean Downs is slated to open Jan. 4.  But the state most eagerly awaits the opening at Arundel Mills.  With a license for $4,750 machines, it's Maryland's biggest.

While the Cordish Company works on its permanent slots facility at this location at Arundel Mills Mall, it's going to open a gaming garage.  That is, the parking garage planned with the facility will be equipped with 2,000 slot machines so the games will begin a year ahead of the casino.

Even before the first slots machine was plugged in, the slots issue for residents seems to have been played out.

"I think it's gonna be good," said one resident.

"Well, I think it's going to the schools, which personally I think is overfunded anyway," said a second.

"If it keeps our taxes down, it's a good idea," said a third.

When they say "garage," they're not talking about a concrete bunker.  It's going to be a first-class casino with cars overhead.  A spokesman for the governor says that sounds nice.

The temporary casino could open in 10 months.