AURORA, ON, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - Magna Entertainment Corp. ("MEC" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: MECA; TSX: MEC.A) is pleased to report that on November 4, 2008 Maryland voters approved the proposed state constitutional amendment authorizing the State to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the installation and operation of up to 15,000 video lottery terminals ("VLTs") for the purpose of raising revenue for education. The Maryland Jockey Club, an MEC subsidiary, expects to pursue a VLT license for Laurel Park as soon as practicable after the administrative aspects of the license application process are finalized by applicable regulators. The Maryland Jockey Club also expects that both Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course will be entitled to share in Maryland VLT revenues through purse contributions.

Tom Chuckas, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Maryland Jockey Club, stated: "Today is a very important day for horse racing in Maryland. The voters of Maryland have approved a measure that we at the Maryland Jockey Club are confident will help save an industry that we love and that employs thousands of Maryland residents. We expect that introducing VLTs in our State will put Maryland racing back on a more even playing field with its neighboring states."

Chuckas added: "Moreover, the funds generated from VLTs in Maryland should result in significant increased revenues for education, which will have a very beneficial impact across the State. We want to thank all of the people involved in supporting this initiative, both within and outside of the horse racing community, for their tremendous efforts and look forward to their continued support as we now turn our focus to the licensing process."

MEC, North America's largest owner and operator of horse racetracks, based on revenue, develops, owns and operates horse racetracks and related pari-mutuel wagering operations, including off-track betting facilities. MEC also develops, owns and operates casinos in conjunction with its racetracks where permitted by law. MEC owns and operates AmTote International, Inc., a provider of totalisator services to the pari-mutuel industry, XpressBet(R), a national Internet and telephone account wagering system, as well as MagnaBet(TM) internationally.