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Slots in Baltimore: The Big Gamble?

Doni Morton Glover, www.bmorenews.com

Gambling in Maryland is not a new phenomenon. However, when it promises to do certain things for the locals – like build new schools – one has to ask whether the good outweighs the bad.

In the City of Baltimore, for all intents and purposes, slots are on the way. Once again, like the initial pitches made in favor of the Maryland State Lottery, public education is a ‘cause’ that’s touted like the coming of Jesus. Additionally, Baltimore is to have proceeds from slots go towards property tax reduction. And, if one lives in Baltimore or at least is aware of the high taxes locals already face, slots become a viable option.

Instrumental in Baltimore’s slots campaign is a young, African American man named Demaune Millard. Raised in Walbrook Junction, Millard proudly serves as Chief of Staff for Mayor Sheila Dixon. I have known him since the days of Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend and can personally attest to his love and commitment for the city. While we have certainly had our debates over slots, I must commend him for his tenacity when it comes to Baltimore getting the best possible deal from slots re-emergence in Maryland.

”Just like any other business venture, it all has a risk,” he admits. “I think right now, we’re in a better position than the other jurisdictions because of a number of reasons.”

He said, for example, that the proposed Baltimore location near the bus terminal in southwest Baltimore is close to Interstates 95 and 295 – along with the football and baseball stadiums. He also noted the approved memorandum of understanding for leasing the city-owned land parcel in South Baltimore to Baltimore City Entertainment Group LP. The current goal is to install 500 video lottery terminals there. And he noted how the Baltimore City Council finally approved the long-awaited and necessary zoning legislation to make slots a reality.

Lastly, one cannot overlook the $10 – 15 million in proceeds from the state earmarked for Park Heights each year. One must be mindful that this is separate from any Baltimore City slots proceeds.

So, aren’t slots a great thing?

I still say that at the end of the day – especially in this recession – the people gambling are too often the people who cannot afford it. If one looks at the person in front of them getting lottery tickets at the 7-11 when going to get a morning cup of coffee, there is no question that slots will definitely bring more gambling, more addiction, more crime, more bankruptcies, more splintered families, and the like.

Is it worth it? Individually, it is about personal responsibility.

As for me – a businessman, I think it foolish to base my business on any form of gambling whatsoever. To me, it’s just not good business.

BMORENEWS publisher Donald Morton “Doni” Glover has been publishing news via the web and doing talk radio in the Baltimore/DC/Virginia area for more than 7 years.