Video poker fees raised in Sanford

Local clubs and organizations in Sanford will have to pay an additional $100 each year to operate video poker machines.

The Sanford Town Council approved a new ordinance Dec. 30 raising the annual fees from $50 to $150.

Approved unanimously on a second reading, the ordinance also states that club owners must sign an affidavit declaring the machines are not being used illegally.

The Town Council Chairman Joe Hanslip said the ordinance was written in response to longtime rumors that local fraternal organizations have been using the video poker machines illegally.

Under state law, clubs are allowed to have the machines as long as they don't pay out.

Local clubs that have the machines include the Sanford Knights of Columbus, the Wolves Social Club, the Sanford American Legion Post 19 and other fraternal organizations.

The clubs have used the proceeds – obtained through the quarters required to play the games – to donate to charities and contribute to local organizations.

Despite that, no representatives from the clubs argued against the new ordinance at the two public readings.

Sanford Wolves Social Club President Norman Hutchins said he wasn't surprised by the decision to raise the machine fees.

"I knew the councilors had been considering this," said Hutchins last Wednesday. "It's a very significant raise in fees – 200 percent – but I guess the town just really needs money."