MECHANICSVILLE, MD — Some Maryland operators saw the results of conflicting opinions between county police and a state court judge firsthand recently, in the battle over the legality of instant electronic bingo games.

More than 60 electronic bingo machines were seized from ADF Bingo Hall on May 2. The next day, responding to an emergency lawsuit, Maryland Circuit Court Judge Karen Abrams rendered a verdict upholding the legality of machines that use computer software (not preprinted tickets) to determine winners. Her ruling contradicted an opinion issued in March by the assistant state attorney general, which stated that such machines were illegal.

Abrams issued a preliminary injunction that said locations may operate as many as five machines during regular business days. She also said an unlimited number of the devices may operate during "special events," such as volunteer fire-department fundraisers.

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