Maryland county rejects push for tighter gambling rules

Friday, June 23, 2000 | 10:54 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

FREDERICK, Md. -- The Frederick County commissioners on Thursday narrowly rejected a bid for tighter regulation of tip jars, a type of legal gambling that draws more dollars in the county than the state lottery.

Those in the 3-2 majority said they opposed government interference with the handling of gambling proceeds by the private clubs and taverns that offer the games.

Proponents of tighter regulation contend weak accountability and enforcement standards may be shortchanging some charities, the supposed beneficiaries of tip jars.

Frederick County tip jars attracted $27.4 million in wagers last year, according to county records, compared with $22.6 million spent on Maryland State Lottery games in the county during the same period.

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