A recent informational meeting, led by County Administrator Kevin Null, was held to discuss the regulation of paper gaming in Garrett County. While not an official public hearing, the meeting covered past legislation, current requirements, and potential next steps.
This discussion was prompted by a recent inquiry from a for-profit business requesting permission to sell tip jars. In reviewing the county’s authority on the matter, officials found that a state law specific to Garrett County had been enacted in 2006.
Upon further investigation of Maryland state law, the County Commissioners determined that the county government is required to issue permits for paper gaming but has the discretion to impose a tax at a distinctive rate between for-profit and non-profit businesses.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners is not currently taxing or regulating paper gaming—nor do they intend to. However, they recognize the need to implement a permit process to ensure compliance with existing laws.
As a result, a permit application process for paper gaming will be developed within the next 30 days and posted to the Garrett County Government website. Permits for non-profit organizations will be free and will not have an expiration date.
“Mr. Null regularly gathers feedback and assesses community perspectives on a myriad of issues then uses that information to inform us,” said Commissioner Chairman Paul Edwards. “Any formal decisions or policy changes on a local level would require official action by the Board of County Commissioners, would be well publicized, and follow the official processes.”
There are no plans to move forward with allowing for-profit businesses to participate in paper gaming in Garrett County.
A Contradictory Stance and a Missed Economic Opportunity?
While the commissioners claim that they do not intend to regulate paper gaming, the implementation of a permit process itself suggests a level of oversight. Additionally, Maryland law gives the county discretion to tax for-profit gaming, yet officials have stated they have no plans to allow it at all. This raises the question—why is the county unwilling to explore a potential revenue stream that could benefit local businesses and the community at large?
If the county were to allow for-profit businesses to participate in paper gaming, there are numerous economic benefits that could be realized:
Potential Benefits of Legalizing Paper Gaming in For-Profit Businesses
1. Increased Tax Revenue
• By allowing for-profit businesses to offer paper gaming, the county could tax or license gaming revenue, creating a new source of funding for public projects.
2. Boost to Local Businesses
• Restaurants, bars, and other establishments that host paper gaming could see increased foot traffic and sales, strengthening the local economy.
3. Job Creation
• More businesses participating in paper gaming could lead to more hiring, particularly for oversight and customer service roles.
4. Consumer Protection & Regulation
• Currently, for-profit gaming is not permitted, yet underground or unregulated gaming could be occurring. Legalizing and regulating it ensures fair play and compliance with state laws.
5. Tourism & Entertainment Growth
• Paper gaming could become an added attraction for visitors, increasing tourism revenue in Garrett County.
How Commissioners Could Capitalize on This Opportunity
If the county were to reconsider its stance on paper gaming in for-profit businesses, there are several strategic ways to maximize its benefits:
1. Introduce a Tiered Tax System
• Maintain tax-free permits for non-profits, but establish a reasonable tax rate on gaming revenue from for-profit businesses.
2. License & Permit Fees
• Require for-profit businesses to apply for an annual license, generating additional revenue while ensuring regulatory oversight.
3. Allocate Funds for Public Services
• Dedicate tax revenue from paper gaming to fund schools, road maintenance, and emergency services, ensuring direct community benefit.
4. Encourage Business-Nonprofit Partnerships
• Implement a requirement that a portion of gaming proceeds be donated to local charities, ensuring shared community benefits.
5. Increase Transparency & Public Engagement
• Hold public hearings to gather community input, ensuring that any decision on paper gaming is well-informed and supported by residents.
A New Conversation is Needed
Despite the county’s current stance, there is a clear opportunity to explore the economic potential of legalizing for-profit paper gaming. As the county moves forward with a permit process for non-profits, the question remains: why not extend the opportunity to for-profit businesses as well, while ensuring fair taxation and community benefits?
County officials have the chance to turn paper gaming into a responsible, revenue-generating industry that benefits businesses, non-profits, and the county alike. Perhaps it’s time for a new discussion—one that looks beyond past restrictions and focuses on Garrett County’s future economic growth.
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