Some Want To Put Slots At BWI

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Check your bags, go through security, then try your luck at the slots?  There are new efforts to put slot machines inside BWI.

Kai Jackson explains some lawmakers believe airport slots could save you money.

For the third time, some Maryland lawmakers are trying to put slot machines at BWI.  Delegate Eric Bromwell has introduced two bills that would clear the way.  The first would amend Maryland's constitution to make BWI a potential site and the other would actually allow slots at the airport.  He's pushing for 2,500 slot machines.

"It's designed to capture dollars in revenue from people who are out of the state or even out of the country," Bromwell said.

Bromwell says slots revenue would be an alternative to raising taxes and says that the money would go to transportation funding. 

"I think it's a great idea," said a traveler.  "If somebody drops a few dollars here and there, it's great revenue for the state."

"If we'd have passed this bill [years ago], we wouldn't be talking about a gas tax," Bromwell said.

Current law says that there can only be five slots parlors in the state and there can only be 15,000 slot machines.  This would change it to six locations and 17,500 machines.

Currently, there are two parlors in Maryland: Hollywood Casino Perryville and Ocean Downs.  Between them, there are 2,250 slot machines.  They've generated $38.3 million for the state so far.  A third will be built at Arundel Mills.

Las Vegas already has slot machines in its airport.