O'Malley signs gambling expansion bill

Permits table games with live dealers at all state casinos

Increases number of slot machines allowed in state from 15,000 to 16,500




Other key provisions of law



Cuts tax rates on slots at all but one of the current casinos

Creates new commission to regulate casinos

Allows veterans' groups to operate slots-like machines in all counties but Montgomery



Casino tax cuts



The new gambling law cuts the tax rate on slot machine profits for four current casino sites. The change is to compensate license holders for competition from a new casino and for the cost of buying slot machines, now owned by the state. The state tax rate on slots at these four casinos is currently 67 percent. Under the new law:

Hollywood Casino Perryville: Rate cut to 61 percent, with option to go to 56 percent if commission agrees

Maryland Live: Rate cut to 51 percent, with option to go to 49 percent if commission agrees

Baltimore: Rate cut to 54 percent, with option to go to 51 percent if commission agrees

Ocean Downs: Rate cut to 57 percent

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