I agree that all of this can't be laid at Magna's feet.
If I had to finger someone, it would be Joe DeFrancis. Years ago, when Glendenning was Gov, there was some movement on a slots deal and it seemed that it was going to get done. Then Baltimore Mayor, Kurt Schmoke, made an announcement about Glendenning supporting a slots deal whereby they'd be put at the tracks.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-56837209.html (Note the date - 1996)
Glendenning was on vacation at the time and when he returned, he was fuming. He swore that slots would never come to MD as long as he was Gov.
Then there was the issue where Joe arranged for campaign contributions to the Glendenning campaign that exceeded campaign limits. Joe eventually was indicted
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/199...cis-race-track
and he got a slap on the wrist and a fine, but Glendenning ended up with egg on his face and was hell-bent on putting Joe out of business.
There are many others within the current MD House and Senate that remain at odds with Joe and if he returns as the track's owner......