New Administrator Announced at this Critical Moment of Slots Talks

On November 1st, 2007, If Gerald Joy was hoping for a little relaxation, he might have chosen the wrong job after his retirement. Joy commented that he was ready to give up his job in facilities management at the University of Maryland. David Nedved introduced Joy as his successor as the gambling administrator for Allegany County during the meeting with the county commissioners.

The decision comes after one of the most controversial issues in Allegany County Gambling history. The issue is whether new gambling machines that does not utilize preprinted ticket-it has the capability but it will be up to the player to acquire a ticket after each game-can operate within the bounds of the law in Allegany County.

Both examples of gambling machines function similarly and look like classic slot machines. But gamblers are playing with a set deck of cards of predetermined casino games. But with the slot machines, the chances of winning or losing are only by chance. Country State's Attorney Michael Twigg issued a statement in July that a slot machine manufactured by the Platinum Gambling Corporation, complied with the requirements by the Annotated Code of Maryland had decided that the Diamond Games Machines are legal.

The difference between the gambling machines is that it issues a ticket after each game. Nedved commented that the company possesses a patent on that feature of the machine. The Platinum Gaming Corporation will only issue a ticket after twenty five games or when the player chooses to end a turn. In September, the County Attorney William petitioned Twigg to reconsider his stance within 30 days.

Twigg refused to do so and since rescinded his first view about whether the gambling machines complied with the boundaries of law or not. That waiting period recently expired. Nedved said that he had no choice but to pass another application for two similar slot machines manufactured by Pace-O-Matic.

Twigg said that Nedved's decision to approve the two machines a big mistake. Both sides said that they will petition the court to make a decision. On Tuesday, both Nedved and Joy together with county gambling inspector Otto Artfitch studied machines at the Good Fellowship Club in Fort Cumberland Post 13 American Legion and Lucky Sevens.

The pair of gambling machines were connected to the same server. A gambler on one gaming machine was competing for the same prize as a player on the second gambling machine. Nedved do not agree that the sign was important but felt that it would function. But some people might not be willing to take their time.

Officials of the Diamond Games have applauded the decision by Washington County commissioners to not allow machines that do not utilize pre-printed tickets. But Steve Phipps of Platinum that Washington County only created a monopoly. He added that a court ruling will result in the favor of Platinum.

Sunday, 18 November 2007
Kori Woffendin