Busch and Miller Win Short Term

House Speaker Mike Busch, along with Senate President Mike Miller, wanted to ensure that slots did not proliferate in their state, and managed to pass a measure that will make the slots illegal come July 1st. They wanted to remove slots like games from the county’s three bingo parlors and have gotten their wishes.

There was talk of making the bill less strict so that the local establishments could keep their slots, while the rest of the state got rid of theirs, but that was not really how they were worded. Busch and Miller argued that the bill left the entire state open to a mass influx of slots.

With the state’s referendum to possibly bring in slots in November passes, this bill will seem obsolete. Many feel though that by passing this bill now, they have simply made a case for the state slots bill to be passed as many residents want the slots and the jobs that came with them.

The bingo halls are upset because this does mean a loss of jobs, which will effect the community as well. The rest of the House had backed an amendment that would have at least allowed Delta Daily Double Bingo in Laurel, Bingo World in Brooklyn Park and Wayon’s Bingo in Lothian to keep their slots, however it was defeated.

Even with the rest knowing the impact it would have on their communities, it did not sway them from making them illegal. Those that currently own and operate the slots must have them removed from their premises come July 1, 2009.

 

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