A referendum proposed by casino opponents “Stop Slots at Arundel Mills” to seek approval from Maryland voters for a billion dollar casino near the Anne Arundel Mall, was denied by a Circuit Court Judge.
Development firm, Baltimore-based Cordish Cos., had filed a lawsuit earlier this year against the Anne Arundel County elections board claiming fraud in the petition drive forcing the referendum.
However, Judge Ronald A. Silkworth ruled that not only was no evidence found to prove allegations of fraud but that the zoning legislation to authorize the location of the casino was tied to an appropriation package that was “interdependent and legally inseparable” from an education funding bill and under state law could not go before voters.
The ruling represents a victory for the developers but opponents vowed to fight the ruling in the state’s highest court.
Based on the Judge’s ruling, plans for the 4,750-slot machine casino will be allowed to proceed.






