LINTHICUM, Md. — Waiting for a flight at the airport can be daunting, but what if you could gamble that time away?

A proposed bill would allow Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to add thousands of slot machines. Supporters view the airport as a natural extension because it's crowded, there's a temporarily captive audience, so to speak, and travelers have a little extra cash in their pocket.

"Delayed flights, people are still at the airport hanging out, nothing to do, this is a captive audience and it's an opportunity for us to get outside money," said Baltimore County Delegate Ric Metzgar, R-District 6, the bill's lead sponsor.

Some travelers with whom 11 News spoke love the idea.

"I actually do think it would be a good idea," said Shelly Wynn, a traveler. "We are stuck here at the airport for quite a few hours, it would make time pass by, have something fun to do."

"I think it would be a good idea, you know, because there are a lot of people here, pass the time. It wouldn't hurt," said Joe Watson, a traveler.

But the Maryland Aviation Administration is concerned about space and said the airport only has room for 1,000 machines.

Revenue estimates are not yet available, but two airports in Nevada combine to make upwards of $40 million a year off slots.

Under the bill, part of the slots money would go to the Education Trust Fund and to the community around the facility.

"If it is going to the community to help and education and stuff, I think it would be a great idea," said Bonnie Polster, a traveler.

"I think that consistent with the idea that the proceeds, part of the proceeds, will be used for positive purposes, education, things like that," said Dave Lockhart, a traveler.

Metzgar argued slots at the airport will create jobs. An analysis of the bill indicates it would not compete with existing casinos.

"I think it is a great opportunity for income for the state of Maryland for many, many years to come," Metzgar said.

The bill has been introduced several times in the past without success; however, supporters believe this year, especially since gaming in the state is well established, winning passage has a shot.

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/bill-gambling-slot-machines-bwi-marshall-airport/38986496