The recently released report has confirmed our fears. As an organization that gets its bread-and-butter from expanded gaming, we anticipated that they would dangle the “free gambling money” that iGaming could bring to state coffers from out-of-state and foreign companies who will make little investment in our state. The Lottery Commission hired the Las Vegas-based Innovation Group, a pro-gaming research firm that touts being associated with more than $100 billion in gaming investment decisions.
Well before this report was issued, we expressed to the governor and legislative leaders that the Lottery Commission report would be one-sided and biased.
On behalf of the more than 5,000 UFCW and SEATU represented employees working at three of Maryland’s casinos - Rocky Gap Casino & Hotel, Hollywood Casino, and Live! Casino & Hotel - and approximately 16,000 gaming industry workers who live in the Free State, we take issue with the Lottery Commission’s recent report to the General Assembly on iGaming - or “internet gaming” which would bring slot machines and poker games to your cell phones for unlimited gambling. Chorpenning is president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 27 and Sterry is assistant vice president of the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union.
