Delegates seek to ban welfare cards at casinos

Much like the legislation crammed through on Beacon Hill, this effort is too little, too late.

Delegates seek to ban welfare cards at casinos
By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Two Anne Arundel County delegates want to prohibit the use of welfare cards at slot machine casinos, the latest attempt at limiting the social fallout from Maryland's foray into gambling.

The legislation, sponsored by Dels. Nic Kipke, R-Pasadena, and Bob Costa, R-Deale, would prevent the use of Maryland's "Independence" debit cards at ATMs in state casinos.

"Part of the responsibility of the state is to provide a safety-net benefit," Kipke said. "We still have a responsibility to set high standards."

Two of Maryland's five planned casinos have opened, with facilities running in Cecil and Worcester counties.

The largest slots venue is slated for Anne Arundel County, with The Cordish Cos. working on its Arundel Mills mall site in Hanover. Officials broke ground for the casino Thursday, but residents near the mall have filed an appeal challenging the adequacy of plans for local roads.

Maryland already prohibits the direct use of credit and debit cards in slot machines. Check-cashing is banned as well.

Some slots proceeds are earmarked for gambling addiction programs.

Kipke said he became aware of the welfare card issue after reports in California last year that nearly $2 million of taxpayer money had been withdrawn from casinos.

The delegate said the change would cost little or nothing.

"All of the facilities we have are new," Kipke said.

The state Department of Human Resources, which is in charge of welfare benefits, is still reviewing the bill and has not finalized its position, spokeswoman Nancy Lineman said.

Costa acknowledged that welfare recipients could use other ATMs to get cash before heading to a casino. But he said the bill is a way to stop gambling addicts from impulsively using welfare cards if an ATM is readily available near slots.

"It is basically a family protection bill," he said.

A hearing on the bill is scheduled in the House Ways and Means Committee next month.