The sound of slot machines may soon return to Delaware community and veterans clubs.
State legislators are proposing a bill allowing organizations like the Elks Club or Veterans of Foreign Wars to temporarily operate these machines until the body passes a permanent solution.
The plug was pulled on the unregulated video gambling machines last year after the state Department of Safety received complaints.
Rep. John Atkins (D-Millsboro) co-sponsored the bill and says it has bipartisan support from both chambers.
“It’s something that we need to do for our veterans in the State of Delaware. Their revenue is declining and their services to the community and other veterans are also declining," said Atkins. "This is a temporary measure. It’s probably not a perfect bill, but it’s a good solution for the next four months.”
But Atkins admits he’s not sure yet what the long-term fix to the issue is.
“That hasn’t even been discussed yet. I know they’re going to work on that, the administration and organizations, in the next six-week break we’re going to take. We’ll definitely see a bill before June 30,” Atkins said.
Club members protested at Legislative Hall nearly two weeks ago, urging lawmakers to let them resume operating what they consider a critical source of revenue.
If this stopgap solution is passed, clubs would divide the revenues with the state much in the the same way the state's casinos do.
About 45 percent of profits will go to the state, with the rest going to the organizations after ensuring players get at least a 50 cent return on his or her dollar.
The bill also limits clubs to no more than 20 machines at a time and the law would sunset June 30th.
