3280                                      JOINT RESOLUTIONS

Signed May 12, 1981.

No. 8

(Senate Joint Resolution No. 51)

A Senate Joint Resolution concerning

Off-Track Wagering

FOR the purpose of appointing a task force to study
off-track wagering and its probable social and economic
effects on the residents of Maryland; and requesting
the submission of a report prior to a certain date.

WHEREAS, The noble sport of horse racing is a tradition
of which Maryland is most proud; and

WHEREAS, The racing industry contributes approximately
$600,000,000 to the State's economy, provides gainful
employment for thousands of State residents, contributes
millions of dollars in revenue to the State Treasury, and is
the source of substantial funds for a number of the State's
local subdivisions; and

WHEREAS, The economic pressures placed upon the racing
industry in this State by runaway inflation, competition
from out-of-state tracks, and other in-state and
out-of-state forms of gambling have placed the racing
industry in a state of severe financial crisis; and

WHEREAS, Off-Track Wagering instituted by a system that
is operated efficiently and regulated with the highest
degree of integrity, could present might provide a viable
solution to the current financial problems, and avoid the
further decline of Maryland's racing industry; and

WHEREAS, The systems of off-track wagering are many and
varied, and a comprehensive study is needed to determine
exactly what form of off-track betting would be most
appropriate for Maryland; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is hereby requested to appoint a task force to
study the various facets and forms of off-track wagering,
including the types of persons who could be expected to
participate in off-track wagering, the probable long-term
socio-economic consequences of off-track wagering, the
probability of involvement of organized crime in . off-track
wagering, and the possible effect of off-track wagering on
illegal gambling and on revenues generated by the Maryland
State Lottery, with professional research assistance
provided by one or more of the universities in the State,