Gambling foes in Maryland announced this week they would organize a demonstration against current efforts by lawmakers to expand gambling and legalize slot machines. State Comptroller Peter Franchot supported the demonstration, saying gambling opponents are in for the toughest fight of their lives.

Governor Martin O’Malley has said that in order to save the horseracing industry in Maryland and keep the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, he is willing to back up a limited number of slot machines at horseracing tracks. Owners of the Pimlico Race Course have explained that slot machines are necessary to stay competitive.

In view of the resurgence of gambling legislation expansion in Maryland, StopSlotsMaryland, an alliance of civic groups and religious organizations, is reuniting after a one-year separation. “I attended the Preakness on Saturday,” Franchot said. “The event draw a record crowd of 121,263 and I didn’t see any slot machines around.”

Franchot also pointed out that it was a huge betting day, too. According to the Maryland Jockey Club, the total amount bet was $87.2 million, the fourth highest amount in Preakness history.