While 700 slot machines alone might not hurt Ocean City’s family image, how long will it be before gambling tries to expand? Other nearby states are already moving to add table games to their slots casinos in the competition for gambling customers. The OC Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Association and the town government will do considerable soul-searching in 2011 regarding the right strategy for resort businesses in the new era of gambling. On the other hand, the casino might provide the resort with an additional attraction that keeps tourists coming back, and in larger numbers. The Ocean City business community has long opposed gambling, on the theory that slots would drain tourists’ limited discretionary spending away from restaurants, hotels, and the Boardwalk. The Ocean Downs casino could have a major impact on the Ocean City resort community. William Rickman, owner of Ocean Downs, as well as competing casinos in Delaware, decided that the present economy would support only about 800 slot machines. Another 50 machines are expected to be added in 2011, based on the preferences of casino customers. Ocean Downs will have about 700 computerized slot machines when it opens in January, fewer than half the number authorized by voters. From the outside it looks like a new public high school. Workers are finishing up the interior and parking lot of the casino pictured above. 50 and five miles west of the beach resort of Ocean City, Maryland. The racetrack-casino is located about a half-mile off Rt. It is one of five locations approved by voters for slot machine gambling in Maryland. Ocean Downs is a small rural track that’s held summer harness racing for more than 60 years. The new casino needs a final certificate from Maryland state gambling officials, and that is expected if all goes smoothly at a Dec. 589, announces casino gambling at Ocean Downs.Īfter many delays, the era of slot machine gambling is about to begin at Ocean Downs.

Black billboard with gold lettering, at the intersection of Rt.

Ocean downs casino grand opening