Officials strongly support slots
Article History
There are updates to this article.

Harford County (Map, News) - Harford County officials hope that permitting slot machines will benefit the area’s ailing horse-farming industry — as long as the slots are elsewhere in the state.

As legislators prepare for a special session next week where slot machines will be one of many possible solutions to a $1.7 billion deficit, local leaders hope that putting slots at Maryland’s racetracks will increase prize money for horse races and create more demand for local farmers.

“Slots have been on my front burner for a long time,” said Harford County Council President Billy Boniface, who is a co-owner at Bonita Farm in Darlington. “It would benefit Harford County’s efforts at agricultural preservation, because the best farms for preservation are viable farms.”

“Why should we be sending our money to Delaware, West Virginia or Pennsylvania? We’re surrounded here,” said Councilwoman Roni Chenowith. The only reservation she’d have would be if the revenue be designated specifically for school and road construction, rather than going into the state’s general budget, Chenowith said.

Councilman Dion Guthrie, who worked 40 years for a company installing betting equipment at tracks all around the United States and Canada, said the difference in business between tracks with slots and those without was “night and day.” In addition to jobs created for maintaining and operating the machines, the tracks could add more workers to deal with the increase in business that slots would bring, Guthrie said.

If passed, local zoning regulations would prevent slot machines from being installed anywhere in Harford, Boniface said. Instead, their impact would ripple out from the established racetracks through increased state revenues to be spent locally or increased business for horse farms, he said.

Guthrie also emphasized that slots would not have a place in Harford County, as the county’s only track, in Havre de Grace, closed decades ago. He hoped for a “clean bill” that would only permit slots at tracks because previous attempts to expand them to gaming centers and casinos rapidly eroded public support for them.

“When you start talking about other places to put them, that’s when you start losing support,” Guthrie said. “Every year, someone puts in an amendment for casinos, and the whole thing dies.”

Boniface said slots would offer a better solution to the deficit than Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed increases in the sales tax and income taxes.

“When people go to play slots, that’s discretionary income they choose to spend ,” Boniface said. “It’s not forcing it on them, like with increased sales tax or income tax.”

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com


Name
Comments

characters left

Article Comments

Comments from Examiner Readers

3:59 AM MST on Mon., May. 12, 2008 re: "Republicans say no to slots"

said:

emacs?backside homemade Edenization personage sprawls intractable:



Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
4:57 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 re: "Chamber of Commerce announces slots support"

Examiner Reader said:
�Truthfully, anything that goes on around [slots] is just the icing on the cake.� says Buck. Buck must be living under her sofa in a dark, dank basement. What goes on around slots is drug dealing, prostitution, and a feeding tube for addicts. It's a very sad day for MDers when the education of our youth depends on people with no money standing at a slot machine putting their last quarter into the slot hoping for the big win that rarely comes.

1 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:59 AM MST on Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 re: "O�Malley, Franchot spar on slots � again"

avid reader said:
Both of these clowns need to go to another country. O'Malley hated slots when we had a real governor, not his group of Miller, Busch and O'malley want it. Md. sucks !!

2 agree | 1 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:16 PM MST on Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 re: "O�Malley, Franchot spar on slots � again"

Examiner Reader said:
I find it curious that Martin O'Malley is Maryland's top slots supporter, when he was so ardently against them during former Republican Governor Robert Ehrlich's term in office.

3 agree | 1 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
9:13 AM MST on Mon., Apr. 7, 2008 re: "Slowdown may boost slots plan"

BooHooLoo said:
Fat chance of this happening in this state ........"If the state does what it�s supposed to with slots revenue, they�ll cut back on taxes, which will help all the citizens." The Ehrlich slots bill is finally alive again.

1 agree | 1 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:24 AM MST on Mon., Apr. 7, 2008 re: "Slowdown may boost slots plan"

Examiner Reader said:
I trust Dion as far as I can throw him. He is a yes man for O'Malley...nothing more, nothing less. Remember the Guardian Angels in Edgewood? How'd that work out for y'all.

1 agree | 1 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:17 PM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Grumpy said:
Several years ago Martin O'Malley said "Slots are bad." That was the end of the debate for me. Henceforth and forever more I will be against slots and I will vote against the slots referendum because Marty said slots are BAD.

3 agree | 3 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:30 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
If Mr. Bartenfelder, 6th district County Councilman, has aspirations of being the County Executive after Jim Smith, Let's see what he does to rid the 6th district of this criminal element, as an example of what we can expect from him if he is elected County Executive. We are watching Mr. Bartenfelder.

2 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
10:10 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
Ok enough now! I just did some real work looking up cases! Don't blame the cops!!!!! Blame the states Attorneys and the Judges! The cops file charges, the State Attorneys Stet them or NOLLE PROSEQUI 99% of the cases!! Don't beleave me? look at the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Results web page and look up these cops and see how many bars they try to bust, just to have there work go on in Vane!Claypoole, Mark and Vaughn, B T. I take my hat to you two guys! But the State Attorneys are making a mockery out of you guys! here is the web site casesearch.courts.state.md.us/inquiry/inquiry-index.jsp See for yourself!! Now to the Examiner, LOOK INTO THIS FOR US PLEASE

8 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:51 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
Gee wizzzzz! Ever wonder why carry-out liqueur stores have people sitting their stores playing the machines? Maybe just to Be amused seeing their money going down the drain having Just fun! Please Examiner, Take a stand on this and do some (REAL EXAMINING) Do some real investigating reporting(if your editor will let you)and ask questions to law and code enforcement people. Bet they say, We don't have the time, resources,and infinitive to do so!!!!!!

6 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:36 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
To the last two posters: I could not agree more!! AMUSEMENT ONLY?? Who in thier right mind would pump a fist full of twenties in a (so-called AMUSEMENT DEVICE)Just have fun watching the cherries pop up? COME-ON COPS! GET WITH IT! I wonder how JOSEPH J. (SONNY) MINNICK will vote on this? after all. he ownes a bar and grill in Dundalk! I'm laughing at the jerks looking the other way!!

6 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:31 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
To 6:51 a.m.: You cannot be serious... People play them for "Entertainment"??? Right... I pump 20 bucks into the machine just because I want to pretend I am playing slots. These are illegal machines, and they ALL pay out. Tully's, Costas, even Stoneleigh Bowling Lanes had one at one point. The 7:09 poster is correct... All these machines provide is income to ownership via illegal gambling revenue. But no one should pretend for one minute that anyone plays these for entertainment purposes. Just like Amusement Novelties and Fundraisers Unlimited provide "casino nights" for prizes and not cash. State-sanctioned gambling that goes unpunished.

3 agree | 3 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:04 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
To 7:09. You are right my friend. Same is true for 8326 Harford Road in Parkville. The guy gets shut down, just to hall the machines back in within the last week or so. I hope the Examiner follows up on this story.

5 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:09 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
They say they raid the bars and take out the machines, however the machine guys bring new ones back in the same bar the same day! (DUHH)I once owned a bar and made over 400.00 to 600.00 tax free cash a week. As far as the baltimore county liqueur board goes some the inspectors play the machines themselves. What a joke. Just take time and ask how many times the tempo lounge and mr B's n essex have been busted.But the machines are still there. Hmmmmmmm heres a thought, Del. Mike wier goes to the Tempo all the time. I also wonder (wink) why the vending co's loan people who want to start a bar business 1000's of dollars to start????? SIMPLE HUH?

8 agree | 3 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
6:51 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
You are all missing the point.. they are talking about those picture matching machines at the bars that also may have poker on them. Some bars pay you out on them if you hit, but you have pump alot of money into them and you have to be a regular at that bar. Outside of that, you are strictly using it for its intended purpose - Entertainment... Man, this state is scraping the bottom for sources of revenue through taxation. MOM, you are doing a great job. Really. Way to chase out the tech services. Its hard to tax someone when they no longer are in the state to be taxed. It would be different if this state had awesome attractions to offset the high taxes (think NYC) but instead all we have is an unsafe city, a crappy transit system, a corrupt Baltimore City and state government.. and thats about it.

4 agree | 4 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
4:19 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
follow the money

4 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:09 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 18, 2008 re: "Franchot says Baltimore County permits, shuts slots at same time"

Examiner Reader said:
m aybe somebody in baltimore county government is getting paidoff. maybe someome recently kleft baltinore county government after many years had been getting payoffs.

2 agree | 2 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:31 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 14, 2008 re: "Franchot and Miller spar over budget, slot machines"

Examiner Reader said:
Poor Franchot and his overpaid staff. All State agencies are facing downsizing and his should be no different. What a whiner.........

57 agree | 57 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:30 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 14, 2008 re: "Franchot and Miller spar over budget, slot machines"

Robin Ficker, Broker Robin Realty said:
Senator Miller and his Deputy Sen. Garagiola pushed through the 6% tax on computer services without public hearings. It passed the Senate 24-23 with Miller and Garagiola voting for. This will lead to computerf geeks leaving Maryland, a dumbing down of Maryland.

39 agree | 45 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:54 AM MST on Tue., Jan. 22, 2008 re: "Pro-slots groups spend big on lobbying"

Horrible said:
Slots under Erhlich = bad Slots under O'Malley = good Gota love hypocrites.

60 agree | 50 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:41 AM MST on Tue., Jan. 22, 2008 re: "Pro-slots groups spend big on lobbying"

Marlowe said: said:
lobbbying = LEGAL BRIBERY.....

56 agree | 51 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
3:07 AM MST on Tue., Jan. 22, 2008 re: "Pro-slots groups spend big on lobbying"

avid reader said:
For something that did not have the interest of the three stooges in Annapolis this is really a hot issue now. The MOB stinks.

61 agree | 55 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
4:11 PM MST on Mon., Dec. 10, 2007 re: "Impact on tracks without slots unclear"

consertative said:
this slots deal passed by yo'malley and his band of ner do wells stinks. the slots should have been put at all the tracks. before i drive to rocky gap i will go atlantic city where they know how to treat a gambler. way to go yo'malley. have galss of katie's bathwater to celebrate your rape of maryland taxpayers.

71 agree | 81 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
3:59 PM MST on Mon., Dec. 10, 2007 re: "Impact on tracks without slots unclear"

Examiner Reader said:
Show outrage when any one is beat, animal, human, freind or foe. Would not wish it on the worst. Where is the love? Peace out people. Let's see outrage from both blacks and whites on this. Slots are pout of my league. Leave it to MOM.

73 agree | 81 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
6:56 AM MST on Mon., Dec. 10, 2007 re: "Impact on tracks without slots unclear"

Examiner Reader said:
Didn't we all ready do that 6 years ago? I believe the results were 70+ in favor.

81 agree | 69 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:38 AM MST on Thu., Nov. 15, 2007 re: "Harford County is added to list as a potential spot for slot machines"

Examiner Reader said:
Whats the big deal about slots! They act like slots are a safe haven for crack heads. I've never seen any at Charlestown or Deleware! Maryland has almost every form of gambling from the Horses to every type of lottery you can think of and don't forget Bingo in the Church. Im my opinion, the only compulsive gamblers I've seen are at the 7 Elevens holding up the lines to play scratch-offs. This past summer at the State Fair, the Lottery pavallion seemed to be the most popular choice among the people. Marylander's are already playing slots, let's just keep the money home! As for the referendum on slots, I believe we already had one, when we elected Ehrlich! Maryland is alway's last to jump on the merry go round, and when we finally do, we miss the boat. (Lose the Preakness like we did the Colts).I guess some of these Politicians want to close the barn door after all the animals got out!

106 agree | 95 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:38 AM MST on Thu., Nov. 15, 2007 re: "Harford County is added to list as a potential spot for slot machines"

Examiner Reader said:
Whats the big deal about slots! They act like slots are a safe haven for crack heads. I've never seen any at Charlestown or Deleware! Maryland has almost every form of gambling from the Horses to every type of lottery you can think of and don't forget Bingo in the Church. Im my opinion, the only compulsive gamblers I've seen are at the 7 Elevens holding up the lines to play scratch-offs. This past summer at the State Fair, the Lottery pavallion seemed to be the most popular choice among the people. Marylander's are already playing slots, let's just keep the money home! As for the referendum on slots, I believe we already had one, when we elected Ehrlich! Maryland is alway's last to jump on the merry go round, and when we finally do, we miss the boat. (Lose the Preakness like we did the Colts).I guess some of these Politicians want to close the barn door after all the animals got out!

87 agree | 106 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:35 AM MST on Thu., Nov. 15, 2007 re: "Harford County is added to list as a potential spot for slot machines"

O'Malley watcher said:
Put the slots in Harford County but I won't play. Not with the Government taking 2/3 of the profits. The machines will be so tight. The owners need to make a profit. The profit will be in the computer part of the machine to NOT pay. The odds are against anyone who puts money into a computer slot.

103 agree | 110 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:47 PM MST on Tue., Nov. 6, 2007 re: "Currie: Slots will pass"

Examiner Reader said:
Since when is Flava Flave an authority on anything. Give me a break, I can't stand her!!! You might as well ask a "New Age believer" because that is what she is, a new age religion. YUK, she sucks!!!!

132 agree | 111 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:10 AM MST on Tue., Nov. 6, 2007 re: "Currie: Slots will pass"

tax free marylander said:
i dont want slots and i dont want more taxes!!! i cant stand anybody who takes out their ass and mouth at the same time, it gets hard to understand them! And if the citizens of Maryland allow this modern day Oliver Twist and his pocket pintching clan to succeed, they will vote themselves another 20% pay raise while us underlings continue to sink into financial dispare. Shame on those who think it is a "privledge" to be taxed! As Flava Flave says..."FIGHT THE POWER"... YEAH BOYIE!!

107 agree | 124 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
6:59 AM MST on Tue., Nov. 6, 2007 re: "Currie: Slots will pass"

Examiner Reader said:
We don't want them here or around Ocean City.

108 agree | 120 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
4:38 AM MST on Wed., Oct. 31, 2007 re: "Slots divide county officials"

Examiner Reader said:
"This is really going to hurt us," Gouge said. Start being fiscally responsible now! You can start by NOT creating Tregoning's private army, which we cost millions just to buy additional cars and the myriad other equipment they will need.

131 agree | 105 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:32 AM MST on Tue., Oct. 30, 2007 re: "Slots� effect not consistent"

Examiner Reader said:
Ill bet those that marched for civil rights and those who gave their lives for equality and opportunity are turning over in their graves to see how young blacks (not all but most) are taking advantage of their efforts. Who would have thought it was almost for nothing. Shame on you NAACP, and also your racist Rev's JJ and AS (you know who I'm talking about).

216 agree | 145 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
10:36 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Examiner Reader said:
Until the NAACP steps up to the plate and tells their constitutents to get off their duffs and take education seriously, stop the unwed females from having illegitimate children out of wedlock, go to work and take over the jobs the illegals are doing in their place, it might start receiving a little respect. Until all of the foregoing occurs, the NAACP will always be the laughing stock of this country.

117 agree | 82 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:41 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Examiner Reader said:
"Perhaps this is where your frustrations as a human being began at" No they start with pompous-ass I'd-rather-insult-than contribute-anything-intelligent-because-I-can't Republicans bigoted turds like you. Get a life loser GOP, you have nothing to good to defend......so just keep insulting.

113 agree | 103 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:22 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Wallace said:
And what political power, influence, or credibility does media hounds, such as the NAACP, have? None! They are about as inconsequential and irrelevant as their esteemed leadership and growing numbers of supporters! I say let the people decide. If the NAACP had stayed current with what minorities really needed, instead of becoming a country club full of Black elitist, maybe people would take them seriously. I wouldn't be surprised if the NAACP doesn't turn around and start trying to scream that the casinos aren't run by one of their rich buddies! Let people decide for themselves, surely NAACP should be more concerned about the lack of registered voters in Baltimore, and more than that, how few of them actually vote. Get minorities to vote NAACP, empower them NAACP, get back to your grassroots basics. Your founding fathers would be ashamed of what you have become.

105 agree | 86 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
8:10 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Examiner Reader said:
Vile Liberal Dem----that is an excellent name for yourself, as Most Dems are coincidentally smug, unkept and just plain out ugly. Perhaps this is where your frustrations as a human being began at?

104 agree | 93 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:28 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "County officials back tax package"

Examiner Reader said:
"What is the difference between slots and the lottery?" None, but identifying information would serve as an asset.

101 agree | 89 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:28 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Examiner Reader said:
why does the NAACP have a say in this? didnt know it was racial slots! we'll put black levers on the machines guys, dont worry.

101 agree | 91 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
7:12 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Examiner Reader said:
But they totally support black on black gun violence, at least that is what their record shows

107 agree | 80 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
6:51 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

DOC said:
Since the NAACP has more problems than it can possibly find solutions for, maybe the State should step in and tell them how to fix their issues.

123 agree | 97 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:48 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Examiner Reader said:
If the numbers provided by the latest study that Marylanders spend 150 million dollars annually, then the NAACOP would have to answer some questions before I'd give their position serious consideration. Because it is not enough to just say no to slots. What proposal/options if any does the NAACP offer to prevent Maryland from losing 150 million to other states? Who are those folks traveling to other states to spend 150 million dollars? What is the difference between slots and the lottery?

107 agree | 102 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:36 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Wallace Farmer said:
And the NAACP has "how" much influence and political bite or influence these days? Let the people decide if they want slots or not. What the NAACP should be doing is focusing on getting African Americans to register to vote, then excercise their voting power. If they had worked to help empower people, and educate them, then they wouldn't be in such a laughable position. It is sad how pathetic this once great organization has become, and how far from their core princilples they have strayed.

122 agree | 97 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
5:21 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: No slots"

Examiner Reader said:
"What false statements,, do tell?, neighbors will gossip for agenda, a sin you know. Go to the source, the truth shall set you free." Some people just never practice what they preach!

137 agree | 105 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
3:43 AM MST on Mon., Oct. 29, 2007 re: "NAACP to state: Say 'no' to slot machines"

Bill said:
Nice to see the NAACP worried about slots as they have solved all their BIG problems.

132 agree | 100 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
1:21 PM MST on Sun., Oct. 28, 2007 re: "Slots divide county officials"

Examiner Reader said:
Who cares? Neither gets a vote on the issue and no one has proposed that this last bastion of Republicanism be a home for slots parlors.

201 agree | 113 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
2:42 PM MST on Sat., Oct. 27, 2007 re: "County officials back tax package"

Vile Liberal Dem said:
What false statements,, do tell?, neighbors will gossip for agenda, a sin you know. Go to the source, the truth shall set you free.

107 agree | 89 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
11:39 AM MST on Sat., Oct. 27, 2007 re: "County officials back tax package"

Examiner Reader said:
Distrust, distrust, distrust. Hard knocks?? Not being judgmental are we and sprinkling your neighbour with damaging imputations or false statements?

116 agree | 65 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
9:53 AM MST on Sat., Oct. 27, 2007 re: "County officials back tax package"

Vile Liberal Dem said:
Counties will Support The proposal for allowing 4,250 slot machines in Anne Arundel County, 2,500 in Cecil County, 3,250 in Worcester County, 3,500 in Baltimore City and 1,500 on state property at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort near Cumberland. No clouding issues to hinder financial progression.

103 agree | 99 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree