ARE SLOT MACHINES coming to town? Don't count on it, despite continuing rumblings from politicians with ulterior motives. Elected leaders would have a rough time convincing an unenthusiastic electorate that slot machines at three or six locations in Maryland are desperately needed -- because they're not.
Sure, casino lobbyists and moneyed interests are pressuring politicians for slots in a casino-like setting. But that doesn't justify a new drive for slot machines.
Nor can state and local governments plead poverty -- not at a time when income-tax revenues are gushing. In fact, state finances are in such good shape lawmakers just cut the Maryland income-tax rate by 10 percent.
As for the financially strapped race tracks, a substantial state partnership may help restore racing to good health without converting them into sterile slots emporiums.
Some politicians would like us to believe that slots parlors are simply another form of wholesome entertainment. Hardly. These can be addictive gambling devices that ruin lives, sap fortunes and create an atmosphere more conducive to criminal activity than family fun. The state would pay a high social price for legalizing slots parlors.
After the next election in 1998, officials say, Maryland will inevitably turn to slots. That line of thinking ignores some salient factors: No. 1, there is no reason for government to create a new tax source when state coffers are flush; No. 2, there is no groundswell of public support to bring slots into Maryland in a big way; No. 3, no one has discussed the considerable added cost of law enforcement and rising crime at slots locations around the state; No. 4, anti-slots politicians could use this issue to defeat pro-slots legislators and candidates.
Experience elsewhere shows the dangers. Atlantic City, despite 19 years of casinos, remains a wasteland away from the casino strips. Louisiana legalized casinos and slots, only to find vast mob infiltration. And in our own Prince George's County, corruption and illegalities at so-called charity casinos put an end to those unseemly ventures last month.
Is that what we want throughout Maryland? Is that the best our political leaders have to offer? Are legislators in Annapolis mesmerized by the lure of easy money and campaign donations from casino owners and fat-cat lobbyists? Legalizing slot machines throughout the state would be a tragic mistake. Lawmakers should be held accountable for their positions on this pivotal issue.
Pub Date: 6/10/97
