Comptroller Peter Franchot has upped the ante in his crusade against slot machine gambling, telling 7,200 retail alcohol licensees that his agents would now be hunting for illegal gaming devices.
“Inspectors and agents of the Comptroller’s Office will be aggressively conducting inspections of licensed facilities,” Franchot told the dealers in a June 11 letter. “These inspectors and agents have been instructed to look for indications of illegal gaming in addition to any alcohol violations using Maryland criminal law as a guide.”
If the gaming machines are found during routine inspections of alcohol tax records, Franchot’s agents will refer the matter to local law enforcement, prosecutors and liquor boards.
Franchot is an opponent of the November referendum to authorize 15,000 slot machines at five locations in Maryland. He said thousands of similar machines are already operating at bars and restaurants throughout the state, but especially in Baltimore City and Baltimore County.
The legislature in April enacted and the governor signed a bill cracking down on the electronic gaming machines, but it included what Franchot called “a legal loophole” exempting video poker games in the city and county.
“If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it’s a duck,” Franchot said. The machines have been tolerated with “a wink and a nod.”
“These are slot machines. Everybody knows it,” the comptroller said. “I intend to shut them down.”
Franchot praised Baltimore County police for their action last month confiscating about 150 gaming devices. The owner was charged with possessing or distributing slot machines.
“I’m not really sure what the motivation is,” said David Mister, attorney for Baltimore County Licensed Beverage Dealers. There appears to be political motivation here.”
Mister said Franchot “seems to be going beyond his jurisdiction” since local boards and inspectors handle most enforcement of state liquor laws, which vary from county to county. The comptroller’s agents generally only concern themselves with tax collections and making sure that wine, beer and liquor are purchased from licensed distributors.
