Franchot: Slot machine buy a 'windfall' for industry
Maryland’s Board of Public Works this morning approved a nearly $50 million contract to purchase slot machines for the Cecil County casino over the objection of Comptroller Peter Franchot who called the purchase an “incredible windfall” for the gaming industry.
The contract did not appear on the Board’s public agenda and the State Lottery provided paperwork to members yesterday, which also frustrated Franchot who said he did not have enough time to properly analyze it.
“How can we be sure we got the best deal for the taxpayer?” Franchot asked.
The contract allows the state to purchase 1,062 machines for the casino for the casino – though the operator plans to have 1,500 at the site. A second contract for roughly 400 machines for the casino was not ready and will appear before the Board in two weeks, officials said.
The Hollywood Casino Perryville is expected to open in the end of October, though one official testifying before the Board said it could open as early as late September. The casino is set to be the first to open in the state.
The contract did not appear on the Board’s public agenda and the State Lottery provided paperwork to members yesterday, which also frustrated Franchot who said he did not have enough time to properly analyze it.
“How can we be sure we got the best deal for the taxpayer?” Franchot asked.
The contract allows the state to purchase 1,062 machines for the casino for the casino – though the operator plans to have 1,500 at the site. A second contract for roughly 400 machines for the casino was not ready and will appear before the Board in two weeks, officials said.
The Hollywood Casino Perryville is expected to open in the end of October, though one official testifying before the Board said it could open as early as late September. The casino is set to be the first to open in the state.
Comments
Thats $46,000 per machine?!?!?!?!?!?!
Who's laughing all the way to the bank?
Who has connections to these vendors?
Posted by: Anonymous | June 9, 2010 1:13 PM
Looks like these vendors hit the FIRST JACKPOT and no quarters have yet dropped!
Posted by: Anonymous | June 9, 2010 1:15 PM
Why is anyone complaining about the cost of this??? This practice can't be uncommon. Don't you think someone's done a little homework on this?? Now you're either for or against slots. That, I can understand. But it's time to take a little revenue away from Deleware, W.VA and Pennsylvania. This wholw process has taken WAY too long!!!
Posted by: Brak | June 9, 2010 3:11 PM
The fix is in!
This purchase is screaming for an in depth investigation.
Does THE SUN have the stones to investigate their golden boy?
Posted by: john | June 10, 2010 10:55 AM
The most costly machine is only $1000.00 per machine at most $1400.00. Somebody is pocketing a lot of money on this deal. Follow the money trail. I also can't believe that the BPW would do such a haphazard type of purchase without all of the paperwork on the table and the amount of money involve. Something is fishey here and needs to be investigated. Where is the Contract Appeals Board when you need them?
Posted by: William | June 18, 2010 9:13 AM
Look, when the Casinos Lease their own machines, it's in the States where they aren't required to fork over 2/3's of the Take! Since MD wants so much Skimmed off the Top, the State has to pay for the equipment. Remember they are also paying Spielo for the System to run it all under the MD State Lottery guidelines as well. They set it up this way, they get what they Deserve.
Posted by: Bartman | June 25, 2010 9:38 PM