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Reports: Illegal Gambling Costs Maryland Millions

MARYLAND – 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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