FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comptroller, City Police Seize Illegal Slot Machines

-2 Baltimore Bars Cited for Illegal Gaming Violations-

Annapolis, Md. (September 5, 2008) - Enforcement agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot in conjunction with Baltimore City Police recently seized five video gaming machines from two businesses after observing illegal activity during routine inspections. In June, Franchot announced that his enforcement agents will begin inspecting for gambling violations in establishments with liquor licenses in a new effort to crackdown on the proliferation of electronic gaming machines across Maryland.

"In recent years, Maryland has seen a spike in the number of video gambling machines, which look and function like illegal slot machines. While the majority of Maryland businesses are operated by law-abiding individuals, we will not tolerate those who participate in the proliferation of this underground economy any longer," said Comptroller Franchot. "These successful raids, with the Baltimore Police Department, send a strong message to those who knowingly operate these devices that the Comptroller's Office has you on our radar and will do all we can to shut down your illegal operations."

"This is just another fine example of the Baltimore Police Department joining in on investigations and teaming up with the many law enforcement agencies within the state of Maryland. Our agencies must coexist in order to bring criminals of all levels to justice. We will continue to work with and assist the state Comptroller's office in any way possible," said Detective Donny Moses, spokesman for Baltimore Police Department.

While conducting routine alcohol inspections in July, Comptroller agents alerted Baltimore Police after observing suspected illegal gaming activity within two establishments. In a joint effort, agents and city police served two search warrants at the following businesses:

Search Warrant #1: Law enforcement officials raided Sid's Tavern, located at 1100 Washington Boulevard in Baltimore City, yesterday at 3:15 p.m. Two video gaming devices were seized by Comptroller's Office enforcement agents. Baltimore City Police confiscated gambling documents and records, along with $2,136 in cash. Criminal charges related to gambling and illegal gaming are pending.

Search Warrant #2: Today at 3:15 p.m., law enforcement officials raided Colonial Inn, located at 2001 Eastern Avenue in Baltimore City. Three video gaming devices were seized by Comptroller Franchot's agents, while city police took Gambling documents and records, along with $1,753. Charges filed include: 1) operating a gaming table, 2) operating a gaming table for proceeds and profit, and 3) managing and maintaining a gaming table.

During the 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly, Franchot supported legislation which called for a statewide ban for video-gaming machines. The legislation was signed into law; however, it included an exemption for video poker machines, most of which are located in Baltimore City and County. Despite this legal loophole, the Comptroller vowed to continue working with local law enforcement in all jurisdictions to provide them with the necessary resources to crack down on illegal gambling activity.

"This Fall, voters in Maryland will decide whether we should amend Maryland's constitution and allow the special interests to have their way by flooding our state with thousands of slots machines," continued Franchot. "But until voters ultimately have their say in November, the Comptroller's Office will continue to use our full authority under the law to crackdown on these devices and their illegal cash pay-outs."

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Contact: Caron Brace, (410) 212-9414 (cell)