The fate a proposal to build Maryland's largest slot-machine casino hangs in the balance tonight as a state commission meets to decide on licensing and the Anne Arundel County Council meets to discuss zoning. Both approvals are needed for the project to move forward, and as The Sun reported on Sunday, the outcome is anybody's guess:

Arundel outcome on slots in doubt

A proposal to build the state's marquee slots parlor in Anne Arundel County hinges on a few undecided local lawmakers who are facing a lobbying onslaught from powerful political and business interests as well as their constituents as they prepare to cast a long-awaited vote on Monday.

The County Council is expected to finally decide whether to allow a slots casino envisioned by the Baltimore developer the Cordish Cos. near Arundel Mills mall. Alternatively, the council could allow slots at another location near the Laurel Park horse racing track - or reject both proposals.

Hours before the County Council meets, a state slots commission is expected to vote to grant a gambling license for the Cordish project. Some commissioners have indicated that they hope the panel's decision would pressure the County Council to approve the necessary zoning.

But even after nine months of wrestling with the issue, it is unclear how the local battle will end. Three of the seven council members say they aren't sure how they'll vote, and four "yes" votes are needed to move the billion-dollar project forward.

"What will happen Monday night is anybody's guess," said Council President Cathleen M. Vitale, who declined to say how she plans to vote.

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