BALTIMORE — Maryland operators, distributors and manufacturers are working to form a state association, in response to a new wave of legislation banning slots-style amusement devices.

On April 13, state lawmakers passed a bill requiring operators to shut down these games by July 1, 2009. An estimated 15,000 units currently operate statewide.

On April 19, the State Senate voted 45 to 2 to pass "emergency" legislation banning instant bingo machines and similar machines immediately. Gov. Martin O'Malley said he would sign the legislation if it came to his desk. The new law allows sentences of up to one year in prison and a $1,000 fine for violations.

In response to the first bill's passage, some 30 amusements industry members met on April 18 in the offices of Betson Distributing here to consider forming a state association. Its first mission likely would be to defend the legal status of slot-style videogames.

The Senate's emergency ban passed the next day.

For more of the story, visit: Vending Times