By Nikole Albowicz
Maryland Newsline
Date, Feb. 24, 2003

2.  Which Nevada casino popularized slot machines?

Harold's Club. While gangster Bugsy Siegel's Flamingo is often mistakenly credited with this accomplishment, Harold's Club in Reno, Nev., was actually the casino that popularized slots. The casino installed the machines in the 1940s to attract people who did not know how to play card games, particularly the wives and girlfriends of its male patrons.
(Source: Interview with Marshall Fey, author of "Slot Machines: America's Favorite Gaming Device")

3.  What is another name for the slot machine?

The one-armed bandit. The slot machine earned this nickname due to its single lever and low payout percentage. Before gambling regulations were implemented, casino operators often put "bugs" or "percentage regulators" into the machines to block jackpots and adjust payout percentages to the house's advantage.
(Source: Interview with Marshall Fey, author of "Slot Machines: America's Favorite Gaming Device")

4. What did slots "pay out" after they were outlawed by several states in the early 1900s?

Gum. In 1910, manufacturers designed the gambling devices to give out packages of fruit gum to winners. By adding a gum vender onto the sides of the slots, they became gum dispensers, and slot manufacturers got around the law. Fruits, such as lemons, oranges, cherries and plums, which corresponded to the flavors of the gums, were also added as reel symbols. But the gum was never popular with people because it dried out quickly. In 1923, machines started dispensing mint-flavored candy, which also never caught on with the public.
(Source: Interview with Marshall Fey, author of "Slot Machines: America's Favorite Gaming Device")
 

5.  What should a person do if he wins a jackpot but the slot machine runs out of money before finishing the payout?

Don't insert more money into the machine and don't move from the machine. Instead, ask somebody else to get a casino operator.  If the player leaves the machine, someone else can claim the money.
(Source: Interview with Assistant Manager Bill Hanley of the Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas, Nev.)

6.  Which statement best describes the history of slot machines in Maryland?

Although slot machines were once legalized and later banned in Maryland, they remain legal in the state in certain situations. Slots were legalized in Maryland from 1937 until 1939. In the 1940s, state lawmakers voted to authorize slot machines in Southern Maryland. The Legislature banned the slots in 1968. But Maryland law still allows some nonprofit organizations located on the Eastern Shore, with the exception of those in Worcester County, to operate slot machines. These organizations, such as fraternal lodges and veterans posts, may operate no more than five machines as long as half of their slot earnings go to charity.
(Source:  "Overview of Issues Related to Video Lottery Terminals." Department of Legislative Services. Jan. 29, 2003. Maryland General Assembly Web site)

7.  Under Gov. Robert Ehrlich's proposal, which of the following Maryland tracks would be allowed to operate slot machines?

Pimlico, Rosecroft and Laurel. Under the proposed legislation, Pimlico in Baltimore, Rosecroft Raceway in Prince George's County and Laurel Park in Anne Arundel County would each get slots. In addition, a track under construction in Allegany County could have machines.
(Source: Senate Bill 322. Maryland General Assembly Web site.)

8.  Which one of the following groups is not opposed to slot machines in Maryland?

Marylanders & Slots. Marylanders & Slots does not exist. The League of Women Voters of Maryland, NOcasiNO Maryland and the Restaurant Association of Maryland joined another group, StopSlotsMaryland, to show their opposition to slots. Members of the League of Women Voters oppose the machines for numerous reasons, including that they think "gambling is a regressive means of raising revenue." Members of NOcasiNO Maryland said that slots have "an adverse impact on the economic and social quality of life of families and communities." Members of the Restaurant Association of Maryland said that they are against the machines because "casinos cannabalize existing businesses and are detrimental to long-term economic stability."   
(Source: The League of Women Voters Web site. NOcasiNO-Maryland Web site. The Restaurant Association of Maryland Web site.)

9.  According to Ehrlich's bill, which state agency would regulate slots in Maryland?

The Maryland State Lottery and Horse Racing Agency and Commission. Ehrlich's bill calls for the abolishment of the Maryland State Lottery Agency and Commission and the Maryland State Racing Commission. The legislation authorizes the formation of a new entity, the Maryland State Lottery and Racing Agency and Commission, to oversee the operations of slot machines and regulate the state's lottery and the racing industry. Four members of the new nine-member panel would come from the horse racing industry.
(Source: Senate Bill 322. Maryland General Assembly Web site.)

10.  Southern Maryland was once known by what nickname because of the region's wide use of slot machines?

Little Nevada. In the 1940s, slot machines were legalized in several counties in Southern Maryland. The machines were so widespread in the region that U.S. Route 301, which runs through Southern Maryland, became known as "Little Nevada" and "The Strip." The state Legislature largely banned slot machines in 1968.
(Source: "History of Waldorf." Charles County Goverment, Department of Planning and Growth Management.)