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With Slots in Mind, Lawmakers Target Gambling Machines
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Lobbyist Bruce C. Bereano, who represents a vendor with 80 machines in St. Mary's, said he had not seen the bill but predicted it could financially cripple nonprofit organizations and service groups.
"The impact statewide is going to be devastating on the charities and nonprofit groups," Bereano said. "I'm sure the only people that are happy about this are the state lotteries. The lottery wants to be the only game in town."
In Chesapeake Beach, Gerald W. Donovan worries that the proposed legislation could hurt business at his Rod 'N' Reel Restaurant, which has a permit for more than 200 bingo machines.
Donovan, who is also the town's longtime mayor, said he has been licensed to operate the machines since 1979 and doesn't think he should be penalized.
Miller said businesses such as Donovan's that have "played by the rules" would have a longer time to adapt to the new prohibition.
Staff writer Christy Goodman contributed to this report.
