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Problem Gambling Groups Want Piece of Casino Action

MARYLAND – As reported by the Baltimore Sun: "As the battle over casino-style gambling heats up in Maryland, an unlikely group is waging its own behind-the-scenes scramble for a piece of the action.

"Counseling services and other organizations that work with problem gamblers - groups that might be expected to campaign against proposals to legalize slot machines - are jockeying for a share of the dollars that the electronic gambling devices would generate.

"At issue is control of an estimated $6 million the state would set aside to run a problem-gambling hot line and to pay for treatment programs under a proposal that has passed the state Senate and is awaiting action this week in the House of Delegates.

"…The bill, an amended version of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s slots plan, would permit 15,500 slot machines at six locations in the state. It also calls for an annual tax of $390 per machine to fund treatment services.

"… It is a paradox that has unfolded in many places as casino-style gambling has spread across the country: Those who treat problem gamblers depend on money from the kind of gambling they decry to deliver treatment services…"

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