No, I do not automatically believe everything that comes out in an OPA press release. Based on the group involved with this issue though, I believe there to be credibility.

I recall the earlier posts about the revenue in Dover and how that served as a basis for the projected revenue in Worcester County. I'm not clear though how the Dover revenue was extrapolated to figure what revenue would stay in stay in Dover versus what would come to Ocean Downs. I'm trying to locate the backup documentation the State used to even come up w/ their projections. Overall, I think the matter of projections will be further complicated by other actions within Maryland and the adjacent states. Pennsylvania now has slots so West Virginia will progress to gaming tables, and PA is also predicting they will have gaming tables within the year. Delaware is discussing gaming tables. Baltimore is exploring slots and gaming tables. Non-profit groups in the lower shore are anxious for slots. All of this will have an impact on the projected revenue for Maryland in general and Worcester specifically. 

The lack of good projections and activities happening out of the control of the County and State seem to be just one of the many problems in relying on something as variable and volatile as slots to fix budget deficits. 

Do you have insight as to how the community grants will be distributed--whether or not the intended recipients will have to formally apply to the state for their "appropriation". I ask because the legislation clearly states that these funds are intended for use by the affected areas to offset impacts from slots. How will the State confirm this? I imagine there will be some process beyond just cutting checks and it doesn't appear to be a current practice of Ocean Pines to apply for grants. I think this should change--we are surely missing other opportunities from other sources--but in the meantime, I would have concerns about us following through to seek funds if there was a formal process (and especially if it involved impact metrics). And if there's a formal application process, there is also the possibility that the State could say no. This could especially be a possibility if the actual revene doesn't track with the projected revenue. There's just so many questions and unknowns.