The Maryland Racing Commission Feb. 22 gave the go-ahead to the Maryland Jockey Club to operate an off-track betting parlor at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium.
The facility, located on the second floor of the Timonium grandstand, was supposed to open in late January, but neighborhood groups voiced opposition. That led to several meetings earlier in February, as well as a lawmaker introducing a bill to toughen the regulatory process for approval of OTB parlors.
"We are looking forward to opening our off-track betting facility in Timonium," MJC president and general manager Sal Sinatra said. "We also look forward to continue building a strong relationship and partnership with the local community. We believe there's tremendous potential in Maryland Thoroughbred racing and we want to build on its rich tradition.
"By growing our off-track network we hope to create convenience for our customers and exposure to racing throughout the state."
The MJC last year opened an OTB area in the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore; one of the partners in the casino is The Stronach Group, which operates Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course in Maryland. The MJC plans to pursue other OTB parlors in the state.
