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Fraternal Groups Preparing To Offer Slot Machines

SNOW HILL, Md. (AP) -- In the next few weeks, fraternal organizations throughout Worcester County are scheduled to begin operating slot machines for members and guests. So members of those groups — who are more accustomed to running oyster roasts than slots — sat down with law enforcement officials to hash out the regulations they'll have to follow and put some rumors to rest.

Jeffrey Kelly, director of the Field Enforcement Division of the state Comptroller's Office, started off by telling members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks and Knights of Columbus they would not need to hire new people to keep their books. Nor will the Field Enforcement Division hire any additional staff to monitor the fraternal slots, Kelly added.

Instead, he said, the Worcester and Wicomico sheriff's offices, Worcester State's Attorney's Office and Kelly's staff will work together to help get the slots up and running.

"The main thing we are here to do is to get you started," said Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason, encouraging fraternal leaders to call the Sheriff's Office if they ever have questions about policies or procedures.

The new law allows Worcester County fraternal organizations to have up to five slot machines on the premises of their lodges or halls, starting June 1. Other Eastern Shore counties already have the right to operate them.

As part of the monitoring process, a sheriff's deputy must be at the organization when the slot machines arrive and during any repairs. The organizations must also submit quarterly reports and host quarterly site visits from deputies.

"If at any time a machine goes down ... if the numbers are going to change during a repair, I have to be there," said Sgt. A.A. Glenn, who monitors slots in fraternal organizations throughout Wicomico County.

At least 50 percent of the profits garnered by the slot machines must be donated to nonprofit or charity organizations. Fraternal organizations can donate that 50 percent to any registered 501(c)3 group but cannot donate it to law enforcement organizations.

Scholarship donations are a bit of a gray area, as donations to individuals or anything for personal gain are restricted. The fraternal organizations also cannot donate to any other fraternal organization that has slot machines or both organizations could lose their slots license and machines.

Kelly cautioned the organizations to call his office if they ever have a question as to which donations are allowed.

"The rules and regulations are meant to be protective for you," Kelly said. "It makes sense to put a shell around you and to keep people from taking shots."

Kelly also noted that commercial slots facilities, including Ocean Downs, are required to give a portion of their revenue to the state, while the fraternal slots are not.

Glenn cautioned those at the meeting to keep the keys to their machines on short leashes, only letting a few members, at most, use them.

"I have had internal theft at two locations and it was from the keys," he said.

Information from: The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md., http://www.delmarvanow.com/

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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