The Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland endorsed November's slots referendum on Thursday, according to pro-slots group For Maryland For Our Future. The organization represents the state's 20 affiliated locals of the International Association of Fire Fighters.

"Passing the slots referendum and keeping revenue here in Maryland - when it's already being spent in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia - is critical to public safety," said Fire Fighters President LeRoy A. Wilkison in a statement. "Budget problems flow downhill. And if the slots referendum doesn't pass the state will reduce county funds - cutting public safety."

Wilkison said the revenue was critical to fund children's education.

"Anti-slots activists who think there's any appetite for $700 million in new taxes to replace slots revenue couldn't be more off base. We need to support Question 2," added Wilkison.

Scott Arceneaux, a senior advisor to anti-slots organization Marylanders United to Stop Slots, claimed the fire fighters were "forced" and "threatened" to throw their support behind the referendum.

"Basically they're trying to push in the electorate in order to pass slots and it's shameful," he said.

Voters will decide on November's ballot if the state constitution should be amended to allow no more than 15,000 slot machine installations at five different locations across the state.

The slots referendum has become one of the most heated issues in the state. Proponents argue the slots will provide necessary funding for the state's education infrastructure and will help close the budget deficit. Opponents believe the revenue projections are overly optimistic, the ballot's language is misleading and the problems associated with gambling far outweigh the benefits.

The controversy has lead to the formation of various groups lobbying in support of and against the passing of the slots referendum.