Support For The Ocean City Elks Lodge Regarding Slots

I'm posting the below comment to wtopnews.com regarding the second attempt by the Elks to get approval for slots (5 machines) in their lodge. In the event you were not aware, the Salisbury Elks has had 5 machines in their lodge for years. The story originated from delmarvanow.com according to WTOP. Budget info is from OC's website. Local Slot revenue allocation is from several recent articles about Ocean Pines' desire to share in the windfall. The delmarvanow article nor any other I've seen indicates the magnitude of the revenue windfall to OC or the County. The delmarvanow article is at:

http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812010309

The Town's budgeted revenue for 2008 is $75M. Estimated State Slot yearly revenue - $600M Ocean Downs, one of 5 Casinos, could bring in $120M of the total. OC will receive 20% of Ocean Downs revenue - $24M (County gets 10%) This represents a 32% increase in total operating revenue or an amount equal to 55% of their current Property Tax revenue. It covers more than 75% of their current Public Safety (Police) budget. The Town of Ocean City and the County are being handsomely compensated for any impact that the forthcoming Casino at Ocean Downs will have. The local Elks Lodge has asked for permission to operate just 5 slot machines as other fraternal organizations on Delmarva such as the Elks in Salisbury have been permitted for years. OC Slot money will go into the Town's coffer. Any Elks Slot money would go to charity. I think the Town and County can clearly afford to support this request by the Elks. The challenge is whether they will have the motivation to go beyond their selfish interests to work towards legislative approval of the Elk's request. I am a member of the OC Elks and have worked for OC for several years driving a bus. I don't gamble, play slots, or buy lottery tickets. I am therefore familiar with the Town and the Lodge and can say with a gambling neutral view that the OC Elk's request that they be given equal treatment on the issue of Slots as other fraternal organizations on the Shore be supported by the Town, the County, and the State.

Elks to O.C.: Support slots
December 1, 2008 - 10:00am

Fraternal groups want to operate slot machines

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) - The Ocean City Town Council is being asked to support possible state legislation allowing fraternal organizations to operate slot machines.

Ocean City Elks Lodge treasurer Jim Flaig says his group has already raised the issue with state lawmakers in the area and hopes to meet with the Speaker of the House Michael Busch and State Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller.

Flaig has sent a letter to the town council seeking its endorsement of the proposal.

A bill that would have allowed fraternal organizations to operate slot machines for their members and guests failed in the General Assembly this year.

Information from: The (Salisbury, Md.) Daily Times