“Flights delayed, people still at the airport, nothing to do, this is a captive audience and it's an opportunity for us to get money from outside,” the delegate told WBAL-TV 11 Baltimore.
In addition to entertainment for the players, part of the million-dollar revenue will go to the Education Trust Fund and the local community around the airport, which gives the project more appeal and support from the population.
“I think this is consistent with the idea that part of the profits will be used for positive purposes, education, things like that,” said one passenger.
This isn't the first time lawmakers have tried to place slot machines at Baltimore International Airport. Several attempts have failed in the last decade alone.
A profitable business
Only two airports in the United States have a type of casino with several slot machines, namely Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Reno-Tahoe International Airport. In all, there are 1,400 and 250 at these airports, respectively. Annual revenue is in the region of US$ 40 million.
The lucrative deal that raises millions at other airports, however, may not go as planned in Baltimore. According to the airport authorities, the number of machines would exceed the limits of the place that can house a maximum of 1,000 slots.
Source: AEROIN
