Bar owners gripe at Allegany gambling crackdown

Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2000 | 10:23 a.m.

Yet those who had come to rely on revenue from video poker machines hope the sweep will clear the way for broader legalization of another type of gambling - tip jars.

The crackdown that began last month has virtually shut down the video poker games that proliferated in the county in the past decade, especially after State's Attorney Lawrence V. Kelly declared in 1996 that gambling prosecution was not a high priority.

"It's really hurt us, big time," said Jimmy Smith, bar manager at the Wonder Bar in Cumberland. "That's what most of the people came in for, to play the darn machines."

Last month, responding to a growing number of complaints, Kelly joined with the county sheriff, Cumberland's police chief and the head of the local state police barracks in announcing that illegal video and tip-jar gambling would no longer be tolerated. The poker machines vanished nearly overnight from taverns, private clubs, gas stations, liquor stores and neighborhood groceries.

Now the bars and restaurants that relied on revenue from the illegal games in this economically lagging region want their lawmakers to ask the General Assembly to legalize tip jars.

"Everybody had machines, everybody," said Phil Geatz, owner of Geatz's Restaurant, a steak and seafood eatery in Cumberland.

He said he used income from his two machines to hire an extra employee. "But now people are losing their jobs. There are some businesses going to close, no doubt."

Geatz is leading a petition drive for legislation that would allow tip-jar gambling in public establishments licensed to serve alcoholic drinks.

Tip jars, a sort of instant raffle with cash prizes of up to $500, are popular in western Maryland. They are legal in bars and at private nonprofit clubs in Washington and Frederick counties. In Allegany, they are allowed only in the clubs, such as the Elks, Eagles and American Legion, and at volunteer fire company fund-raisers.

Many Allegany bars and restaurants quietly operated illegal tip jars for years before video poker machines surpassed them in popularity.

The Allegany County commissioners have scheduled two public hearings Nov. 30 on the proposed expansion of legal tip jars.

"I just want to know what the people think," said Dale R. Lewis, president of the commissioners. He fears some bars and restaurants could go under without the change but said he would not push for the law if he sees strong opposition.

State Delegate Kevin Kelly, an Allegany Democrat, sympathizes with the tavern owners. "I would support leveling out the playing field somewhat," he said.