Tip jars not hurt by slots

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002 | 11:09 a.m.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- An increase in slot machines in West Virginia hasn't cut into revenues generated by tip jars, a legal form of gambling in Washington County, Md., county officials say.

Gamblers spent $85.5 million on tip jars in Washington County in fiscal 2002, county gaming officials reported. That's almost $10 million more than they spent on tip jars the previous year.

County officials expected the rising number of slot machines at Charles Town Races & Slots in Charles Town, W.Va., to draw gamblers away from tip jars. The racetrack, located about 25 miles south of Hagerstown, has more than 2,600 slot machines compared with 2000 a year earlier. West Virginia state lottery officials have approved installation of up to 3,500 machines.

Tip jars are similar to lotteries, with prizes of $5 to $500 for a $1 ticket. They are legal in taverns and private clubs in Washington County, which collects some of the proceeds and gives the money to charities.