I Don't Get This
Why are ostensibly conservative Republicans sponsoring HB47 and HB48?
HB47 would require that a special gaming card be obtained in order to use slot machines, including the use requiring proof of identification to include a credit card, thumbprint, or social security number in order to operate a machine. It also requires that operators of slot facilities prohibit the use of machines by gambling addicts, and requires the facilities to collect taxes for the state.
HB48 inhibits commerce by prohibiting a slots operator to accept payment by credit card.
Call me surprised that Delegates Impallaria, Boteler, Dwyer, McDonough, and Shewell are sponsoring such legislation. Particularly Dwyer for HB47, since this would allow slot machine operators to collect social security numbers, in direct contradiction to a 2003's HB134, of which Dwyer was the lead sponsor. That bill would have prohibited "a person from requesting, recording, or distributing the Social Security number or a portion of the Social Security number of an individual who is seeking to obtain consumer goods or consumer services as a condition of providing the consumer goods or consumer service" and would have authorized "the Attorney General to institute a civil action against a person who violates the Act to recover for the State a specified penalty."
Can somebody enlighten me as to why these conservatives are sponsoring such restrictive legislation?
HB47 would require that a special gaming card be obtained in order to use slot machines, including the use requiring proof of identification to include a credit card, thumbprint, or social security number in order to operate a machine. It also requires that operators of slot facilities prohibit the use of machines by gambling addicts, and requires the facilities to collect taxes for the state.
HB48 inhibits commerce by prohibiting a slots operator to accept payment by credit card.
Call me surprised that Delegates Impallaria, Boteler, Dwyer, McDonough, and Shewell are sponsoring such legislation. Particularly Dwyer for HB47, since this would allow slot machine operators to collect social security numbers, in direct contradiction to a 2003's HB134, of which Dwyer was the lead sponsor. That bill would have prohibited "a person from requesting, recording, or distributing the Social Security number or a portion of the Social Security number of an individual who is seeking to obtain consumer goods or consumer services as a condition of providing the consumer goods or consumer service" and would have authorized "the Attorney General to institute a civil action against a person who violates the Act to recover for the State a specified penalty."
Can somebody enlighten me as to why these conservatives are sponsoring such restrictive legislation?
Labels: Don Dwyer, General Assembly, Slots
posted by Brian Griffiths at 12:36 AM
1 Comments:
Brian: I can understand the logic of not wanting slots, but realizing that the handwriting is on the wall and that they are coming. Thus, to diffuse those who moan so much about slots being a regressive tax on those who can least afford it, the idea of only letting those play who can afford it is tempting. Most slots parlors have club-cards now that you put in the machine to gain points & comps, so the invasion of privacy thing is mostly moot if you choose to use the cards. However, you have the option to not use the card and play somewhat incognito. If you win a big jackpot, be assured they will know about you.
Nanny-state-like as it is, we do know that there are some who have no business gambling away the rent money. Maybe we should track them somehow (how?) and cut off their social services? If they have enough "disposable" income to dispose of in a slot machine, then they do not need welfare, free healthcare, etc., etc., etc.
While the plan may seem just, only letting those with means gamble, it is very unworkable.
People will not want big brother quite so intrusive, and will just go to Delaware where they don't have this scheme. The sad fact is that those not so well off will find some way of gambling, either on slots, the lottery, or the local football pool, if they want to. You are right in that it is ironic that those most concerned with freedom would propose this. Maybe they know it will be shot down, thus slots would be shot down as well?
Heck, the conspiracy theorists would have a field day if this was extended to all buying and selling, tracking everything by doing away with cash and taxing it as well (don't give the O'Guv any ideas). You'd be getting letters from big brother explaining that you will no longer be allowed to buy...sugared sodas, non-hybrid cars, fattening foods, or contribute to anti-social causes like the NRA or the Republican Party. The Government would "know what's best for you", for your own sake.
Appreciate your work!
By the way, I've been blogging on the special session and hearings over at the new location of my site:
MarylandChesapeakeBlog.vox.com/
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