BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Dion Guthrie, a Democrat representing Edgewood and Joppatowne on the Harford County Council, installed gaming machines full time for 38 years with American Totalisator Co. at racetracks around the United States and Canada, and he still does part-time consulting work with the company. He has worked at every racetrack in Maryland and supports the slots referendum up for vote in November.

How is the current economic downturn going to affect voting on the slots referendum in November?

The recent tax increases at the special session will certainly make the voting public aware of the crunch that’s happening in all levels of government, whether federal, state or local, and that the need to pass slots is more urgent than ever.

I’ve seen it in other communities, in other states, what it’s done to help governments to fund projects and cut taxes.

What effect will the economy have on people playing the slots?

I don’t think you’re going to see a decrease [in people playing] ... because they think it’s their turn, that they’re going to plop that buck down and walk away with a million dollars. That’s what happens when your income gets cut ... you look for that chance. And that’s not the way that you should gamble; you should only gamble with excess funds. But if you look at where the revenue comes from, it’s from depressed areas.

Doesn’t that create the potential to help the state, but hurt the consumer personally?

If the state does what it’s supposed to with slots revenue, they’ll cut back on taxes, which will help all the citizens.

Certainly there is a number of people that will gamble that shouldn’t be, and they’re going to do it whether we pass slots or no