Delegate Mike McDermott Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- Press Release
- Non-Profit Slots for Worcester County
(ANNAPOLIS)--With less than two hours to go in the 2011 session of the General Assembly, HB-39 was passed on Third Reader providing qualified Worcester County Non-Profit and Fratenal Organizations the ability to utilize slot machines in their establishments. A concerted effort by the Worcester Delegation, including Sen. Mathias, Del. Conway, and Delegation Chair McDermott, moved the bill over the finish line and ended a 5-year effort in victory.
“Passing this legislation for our fraternal organizations and the Ameican Legion was a priority this year for me in the House”, said freshman Delegate Mike McDermott. “Our non-profits desparately needed this and our communities will be the beneficiaries of their charity”.
The bill provides an opportunity for Worcester County to join the ranks of every other county on the Eastern Shore who have enjoyed this provision for over 20-years. Worcester County had asked to opt out of the law when it was first passed when leaders feared gambling coming to Ocean City would be a detriment. Much has changed since that time, including a state operated casino near Ocean Pines.
“The qualified organizations will be able to have up to 5 slot machines on site”, said Delegate McDermott. “One half of the proceeds from the slots must be donated to other non-profit organizations in the community. This is on instance where everybody is a winner”.
