General Assembly Considering Bill To Allow On Line Casino Gambling

A Frederick County legislator has some concerns, especially about problem gambling.Delegate April MillerAnnapolis, Md (KM) Casino gambling, such as slots, poker and other table games, could be as close as your I-phone or home computer under a bill being considered by the Maryland General Assembly..   If passed, the legislation would allow customers to play these games of chance from the comfort of their own homes without entering a casino.Online casino gambling would be operated by the state’s six casinos in partnership with  internet gambling operators. It would be regulated by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission  under this measure.Supporters say it could bring in $300 million to the state.But Frederick County Delegate April Miller says she has some concerns. “It’s kids having access. It’s college kids having access, and with problem gaming,” she said.Others who are opposed say individuals could be home gambling their whole paycheck away, and it could make gambling addictions worse.This proposal comes with a 47 percent tax imposed on online gaming revenue. The bill calls for part of that money to put into an account to help problem gamblers.”We already have a lot of issues with the sports, with the sports gaming and with the sports betting right now. And that’s really new for us here. So I’d like to get some of those  worked on before add in I-gaming,” says Delegate Miller.If this  legislation makes it out of the General Assembly, it would require the question of whether to permit   online casino gambling in Maryland to  go before the voters in a referendum in November, 2024.By Kevin McManus