Reports:
Illegal Gambling Costs Maryland Millions
As reported by the Baltimore
Sun: "Slot machines in the Baltimore area
that illegally pay out winnings to gamblers
may be costing the state at least $15 million
a year in lost tax revenue, according to a new
study.
"A
common sight in many local bars and corner stores,
the slot machines are billed as 'for amusement
only,' and are not supposed to pay out any cash.
"The
new study, released Tuesday by the Baltimore-based
Abell Foundation and authored by journalist
Joan Jacobson, calculated that there are 3,500
video gambling machines in Baltimore City and
Baltimore County. Winnings are paid out to gamblers
by bartenders and store employees, the study
said.
"…The
study estimates the machines bring in $91 million
to $181 million a year, but most of that income
is not reported to tax collectors, the report
said…"
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