Gambling In Maryland

There are two major reasons to expand state gaming. One is the irrefutable evidence that Maryland is bleeding more than $400 million annually as our residents travel across state lines to gamble. The other is that most Marylanders simply want it. To that end, in creating a responsible gaming policy, we need to consider six factors: First, as disposable income is fixed, increased gambling by Marylanders will offset state sales tax revenue by a respective amount. For example, if Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to increase the sales tax to 6 percent passes, the state's take on slots revenue - about 4 percent - means Maryland loses money by converting in-state sales transactions to slots revenue.

United Methodists are mounting a vigorous campaign to stem what their leaders call a "raging flood" of efforts to bring casino gambling to Maryland."We want to explore every option possible in halting this spreading menace," the Rev. Warren Ebinger, pastor of Severna Park Methodist Church, said yesterday."

ANNAPOLIS -- Imagine a casino at the Inner Harbor, gambling boats on Chesapeake Bay, slot machines in every veterans' hall, off-track betting parlors dotting the state and video poker terminals in every corner bar.Maryland could indeed become a mini-Nevada if the General Assembly approves two dozen pending proposals for expanded gambling. The ideas may entice gamblers, but they turn off the state police, who fear that organized crime might grab a piece of the pie.While the legislature is likely to approve few, if any, of the gambling proposals, the sheer volume of bills, combined with the state's perilous finances, suggest that expanded betting may be part of the future.

Doc "Riverboat" Schaefer, the gambling guv, is doing his best for all the citizens, including my cousin Herbie.Every Thursday, Herbie takes the bus to Atlantic City, where he promptly loses the grocery money. Soon, he won't have to anymore. Instead, Herbie can lose the grocery money in an actual hometown grocery store.And he can thank the guv for this kindness. The guv knew of Herbie's plight. He knows buses cost money -- gambling money.So, he sprang into action.Faster than you can say three-card monte, the guv and his pals in the legislature (they're the ones wearing the green eyeshades, saying, "Pal, you gonna hit 16 or not?"

CUMBERLAND -- Slot machine gambling is against the law in most parts of Maryland, but you would never know it here.Throughout Allegany County, bars, restaurants and fraternal clubs feature video poker machines that produce cash payouts for lucky players. The machines bear signs "For Amusement Only," but everyone knows that winners can collect their money -- anywhere from $10 to $300 or more -- at the bar.Such illegal electronic gambling is not unique to the county and can be found in many spots across the state.

BOONSBORO -- Rick Fulks expertly peels back the coverin on his tip-jar tickets to see what numbers he has drawn.No winners this time. No "55," no "77," no "00."Another dollar slides into the kitty at the Boonsboro American Legion Hall.Several years ago, a state legislator called club-based gambling in Washington County "a million-dollar business in dollar bills."Today, a single club accounts for $1 million in gambling revenue each year and the countywide tip-jar take could exceed $10 million.

Referendum Question 7 on the Nov. 6 ballot on expanding casino gambling in Maryland is a tough one. There are so many people whose views I despise on both sides of the debate. Thomas F. McDonough, Towson

The Broadneck Federation will sponsor a forum tomorrow on casino gambling in Maryland at Broadneck library, 1275 Green Holly Drive.Gerald Evans of Harvey's International will discuss the benefits of casino gambling, and Bernard Horn of Maryland NOcasiNOs will talk about the disadvantages. The federation will take a straw poll at the end.The federation's business meeting will be at 7 p.m. The forum will be at 7:30 p.m.

The battle over casino gambling in Maryland hasn't really begun, but it's already a high stakes game: In just six months, players spent about $600,000 trying to influence legislators on the issue.Top client fee -- Maryland Optometric Association, $55,236Joseph A. Schwartz IIIClients -- 11Earnings -- $335,719A5 Top client fee -- State medical society, $130,000J. William PitcherClients -- 19Earnings -- $306,0660 Top client fee -- Tobacco Institute, $60,000

Area residents are invited to a discussion on legalizing casino gambling in Maryland, at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Glen Burnie United Methodist Church,The Anne Arundel County Coalition Opposed to Casino Gambling was formed to address proposals to permit a limited number of casinos and riverboat gambling throughout the state.A task force has scheduled several open hearings to gauge public opinion before the issue is debated in the General Assembly in January.The church is on Crain Highway at Second Avenue, S.E.Information: 761-4381.