by Paul Ramlow, USTA Internet News Manager

Columbus, OH — Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos could face competition from other bidders interested in buying Rosecroft Raceway.

The Baltimore Sun reported on Wednesday that Angelos agreed to pay $9 million in cash for the shuttered track, plus another $5 million if slots are permitted in Prince George’s County and a Rosecroft casino is operational by Dec. 1, 2012.

The paper reported on Thursday that even though a number of potential buyers were outbid by Angelos in a previous round, they could still take part in a proposed auction to be held later this month. Among the potential bidders is Mark Vogel, who previously owned Rosecroft. Vogel is “definitely making a bid” for Rosecroft, according to the Sun, but is not interested in putting slots there.

The paper added that any new bid must be at least $550,000 higher to qualify in an auction against Angelos’ lead bid. The auction and any final purchase agreement would need bankruptcy court approval.

Angelos would also face opposition in his bid to get slots at Rosecroft. Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said that he is focused on getting slots casinos at the five locations approved by voters in 2008 up and running “before we talk about expanding” gambling at other places.