Maryland lawmakers will soon consider a proposed bill sponsored by a Baltimore County delegate that would bring slot machines to Baltimore’s BWI-Thurgood Marshall airport.
“Delayed flights, people are still at the airport hanging out, nothing to do, this is a captive audience and it’s an opportunity for us to get outside money,” said Baltimore County Delegate Ric Metzgar, R-District 6, the bill’s lead sponsor according to WBAL-TV news.
The bill may run into opposition from the Maryland Aviation Administration, which is concerned about space and said the airport only has room for 1,000 machines. The MAA is not taking an official position on the legislation.
Under the bill, part of the revenues would go to the Education Trust Fund and to the community around the facility.
“If it is going to the community to help and education and stuff, I think it would be a great idea,” said traveler Bonnie Polster, according to the WBAL report.
“I think it is a great opportunity for income for the state of Maryland for many, many years to come,” Metzgar said.
Similar bill have failed in previous legislative sessions in Maryland.
