Summary
- The new bill is currently under review.
- The measure would help support entry into the work force.
- Current laws stop any convicted individual from gaining employment at a casino.
A new measure has been introduced in Maryland that would change employment opportunities within casino facilities. State Delegate Nick Charlese released introduced a bill that will allow individuals that are convicted of nonviolent crimes to gain employment within casinos. The goal is to create opportunity within the industry and change the community for the better, which is also something New York is also looking into with a bill being looked at.
Pushing the Legislation with MGM Resorts
Charles has help in his effort to provide more employment opportunities in the casino sector. MGM Resorts is working with the Delegate to try and bring the bill to life. The bill will allow those who have misdemeanors and nonviolent crime offenses to apply for employment within the many casinos located in Maryland.
House bill 1288 has been moving through the State House with lawmakers giving it consideration. The measure has yet to be voted on but does seem to have support. Currently, the state limits who can apply for employment within casinos. Anyone with a conviction, on active parole, or probation for a crime are not allowed to apply for a lottery employee license. This is what is needed to work in the gambling sector.
The individuals that meet this criterion must wait seven years from the date of the offense to be eligible again. The new bill would allow those who offense is not connected to gambling to apply. The individuals would need to complete a problem-solving court program beforehand.
For Charles, the overall goal is to help people get back on their feet. The casino industry offers great opportunity and individuals with prior charges would be able to secure a quality job and start a new life via the industry.
The Maryland Casino Industry
The gambling industry of Maryland is thriving and quite expansive with several casinos offering gaming services in the area. If this new measure is able to gain traction and pass into law, it would provide ample opportunity for employment for previously convicted individuals.
The state is home to the Live Casino & Hotel Maryland, MGM National Harbor, Rocky Gap Casino Resorts, Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, Hollywood Casino Perryville and Ocean Casino Resort. Each casino offers a variety of services, which opens the door to a long list of employment options.
It will certainly be interesting to see if the casinos will be able to offer jobs in the community for those who have been previously charged or incarcerated. The coming weeks should be a strong indicator as to if this measure has enough push behind it to become law.
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