Emergency Bill Approved to Ban Video Gambling

'Amusement Only' Games Exempted

The Maryland Senate approved emergency legislation yesterday to ban the instant bingo machines and similar devices that have exploded across the state, many apparently in violation of gambling laws.

But while the bill would eliminate hundreds of gaming machines in St. Mary's County and other parts of the state, it exempts games in bars and restaurants that have proliferated in the city of Baltimore and Baltimore County and that critics say are illegal.

Before the Senate's 45 to 2 vote, Sen. Roy P. Dyson (D-St. Mary's), who opposes the electronic games, said he was "not real happy" about voting for the bill.

"Slot [machines] have been in Southern Maryland for a decade, and nobody did anything about it," he said. "But this is not just happening in St. Mary's County."

General Assembly legislators have long been divided on whether to legalize slot machines in the state. But last month, they were united in condemning video bingo, poker and similar electronic games, which generate money for game owners but nothing for the state.

The electronic games, which are designed to resemble slot machines, are permitted in a few counties only if the proceeds go to charities or other nonprofit groups.

The bill passed yesterday would prohibit video poker, electronic bingo and similar machines. A violation would be punishable by up to one year in prison and a maximum fine of $1,000.

But language was stripped that applies to games that often are labeled for "amusement only." Winners can accumulate "free plays." But when players get money or merchandise for these "free plays," the game is illegal. Supporters of the exemption say it was designed to protect games children play at chains popular for parties, like Chuck E. Cheese.

At a hearing yesterday on a similar bill pending in the House of Delegates, Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) urged lawmakers not to weaken the ban by exempting the kind of machines found in the Baltimore area.

"It is a loophole big enough to drive a truckload full of video gambling machines through it," Franchot said.

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has said he will sign the legislation if it comes to his desk. The ban would take effect immediately.

In St. Mary's County, law enforcement officials are cracking down on what they say are violations of current laws. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron (R) said yesterday that his deputies will deliver letters and make phone calls to let the 23 bars, bingo halls and other establishments that operate the video bingo machines know enforcement is coming.

"What we are probably going to do is start with the most egregious locations," Cameron said. "If it necessitates a seizure, we'll do that."

Every business that operated "pseudo slots" was found to be noncompliant of at least one law, said Deputy Cindy Allen, spokeswoman for the sheriff's office, including using improper machines that do not have predetermined winners and organizations dispersing funds improperly.

One bar owner called the crackdown "absolutely ridiculous."

"If they are saying that they are illegal in St. Mary's County, then they are illegal in every county in this state," said Brian Adkins, owner of Big Dog's Paradise and Sports Bar in Mechanicsville. "I don't understand the pinpoint on St. Mary's County."