Feb 27, 2008 6:50 pm US/Eastern
Bill To Address Illegal Gambling Machines In Md.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) ―
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Maryland lawmakers plan to take action against illegal gambling devies.
CBS
Faced with growing numbers of illegal gambling machines in bars and restaurants, lawmakers announced plans Tuesday to take action against what they see as a threat to the state's lottery -- and to slot machines that could be legalized later this year.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, who will co-sponsor an emergency measure to get rid of the machines, condemned them as "counterfeit slot machines" that generate money for private entrepreneurs with no state benefit.
"These machines have sprung up almost like a disease," Miller said, answering reporters' questions about the bill, which is set to be introduced Wednesday.
Supporters say the recent proliferation of illegal gambling machines in southern Maryland and other parts of the state must be stopped, because they are creating an underground economy with no state oversight.
"We need to take the money out of these private entrepreneurs who are operating illegally in the state and what we need to do is get a handle on this so that the state can once again get control of the lottery revenues," Miller, D-Calvert, said.
The measure targets gambling on electronic slot machines, video poker, electronic bingo and electronic pull tabs.
Sen. Thomas "Mac" Middleton, D-Charles, is sponsoring the bill in the Senate, and Delegate Frank Turner, D-Howard, is sponsoring a similar measure in the House.
Anne Arundel and Calvert counties are allowed to use instant bingo machines for charitable purposes. The trouble apparently took root after people saw them being used, causing bars and restaurants in Baltimore city and other counties to start setting them up too, without authorization.
Miller said counties that those who "have played by the rules" will get a longer period of time to adapt.
"But eventually, they're all going to be terminated," Miller said.
The measure will not target machines allowed on the Eastern Shore to raise money for nonprofit organizations, Miller said.
Also, paper pull tabs in Western Maryland would not be affected.
House Speaker Michael Busch said he supports the bill.
The problem, Busch said, is that technology has enabled people to get around the law by making video games that are, essentially, slot machines.
"So whatever seems to be legal, they can morph themselves into that description," Busch said.
The legislation will more clearly define what kind of machines are illegal, in hopes of spurring local authorities into action.
Miller said local authorities appear to lack the will to crack down on the machines, because of perceived ambiguities in what's legal and what isn't.
"As a consequence, we're going to help the local officials say no," Miller told reporters.
The illegal machines also go against the intention of what lawmakers hope to accomplish with a referendum in November, when voters will decide whether they want slot machines in Maryland. If voters approve legalizing slot machines, the state stands to reap hundreds of millions of dollars a year after the initial startup years, to help pay for schools and possibly approve property tax cuts.
Comptroller Peter Franchot, who opposes legalizing slot machines, sent audit teams to St. Mary's County on Tuesday to investigate the video gambling machines.
"I believe that these machines need to be clearly defined in statute for what they are: slot machines that are operating in violation of the spirit of Maryland's law banning them," Franchot said in a letter dated Monday. "I join with Senator Middleton and others in urging that these gaming devices be outlawed, and that we get a handle on their significant proliferation."
If November's referendum passes, up to 15,000 slot machines would be legalized at five locations, including one location each in Anne Arundel, Cecil and Worcester counties, one in Baltimore city and on state property at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort near Cumberland.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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