Slot machines are a somewhat legendary point of
debate in Maryland. Now that voters have chosen to bring slot machines
back into the state as a means to supplement the state budget, it seems
all the proper steps are being taken to ensure that slot machines are
brought into the state the right way and as quickly as possible.
The name of the committee that will oversee
licensing of slot machine operators is the Video Lottery Facility
Locations Commission. The members of this board were only selected this
month and they are already at work detailing the specifics of the
licensing process.
The Maryland Lottery Commission has been given the
responsibility of overseeing the slot machines. The commission will be
working with consultants to perform financial background checks for
potential operators. Expenses related to the checks will be paid for by
the applying operators, not the tax payers of Maryland.
Operators hoping to offer slot machines in the
state will be required to offer a proposal that gives detailed financial
information and as much information as possible about the gambling
facility they intend to build. The proposal must be submitted by the
February 2, 2009 deadline. There is an extended deadline in place for
April 15, 2009, when bidders may submit further details about their
proposed plans.
In November Maryland voters did what many considered the unthinkable
when they approved a referendum that allowed 15,000 slot machines to
operate in the state. Legislature in Annapolis battled over slot
machines for several years.