The odds are that there will soon be sports betting in Maryland.

Legislation to put this issue on the ballot in November got a favorable report yesterday from a Senate committee.

The voters must approve because we amended the state constitution to permit slots and table games and must do so for any expansion of gambling.

People who don’t gamble on horse racing would come to Pimlico to wager on professional and collegiate sports. My bet is they would come back – to gamble again and to take advantage of the other entertainment options we expect to have there.

I will have a role in this process.

Prior to the vote in November, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency would develop draft regulations so that sports wagering could begin soon thereafter if the voters approve.

I am the House chair of the committee that will review these regulations.