Legislation to allow Frederick County non-profits to operate slot machines is before the Maryland General Assembly. The bill sponsored by State Senator Ron Young would let fraternal organizations, veterans groups and religious clubs to each have up to five slot machines. They would be used for fundraising purposes.

"All of the Eastern Shore already has this right. If you were go into the AMVETS or the American Legion down there, they have five slot machines. They use a portion of it of themselves, and donate a portion of it to charity," says Senator Young.

Just like on the Eastern Shore, Young says only members of these organizations could play the slot machines. He says no one else from the outside could come and play the slots.

A number of non-profits have asked for this right, noting that a lot of their members are going to Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia to gamble. "They're been a lot of clubs asking for this," Young says. "It wouldn't be in competition with Charles Town. But it would allow members of the club to play slots without going over there, if they chose to."

Senator Young says he has introduced this bill in the past without any success. He says the legislation has died in the General Assembly, without a vote being taken. But he's not giving up. "There's just been opposition to letting it come across the shore. The clubs asked for it. So as long as they ask, I'm going to keep putting it in."

A hearing on the bill took place last week before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee.