I'm confused about the article in "Slots deal to cost $50 million" (June 10). I don't understand why the state is purchasing the slot machines for the casinos but allowing the casinos to pick the select the mix of machines. If I had a license for one of the casinos and the state was picking up the tab for the machines, I just might select the most expensive terminals out there. What the heck, not my money.

If, as stated in the article, the average cost of machines is typically between $19,000 and $21,000, why are we paying $116,000 per machine for Shuffle Masters and $24,000 at the low end for KGM machines, which is obviously more than the average cost? What I read on the Internet says that New Hampshire is planning on leasing video gaming machines at a cost of $4,862 per machine per year. This includes the maintenance and software upgrades. Good thing Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the union.

I'm also a little confused by Gov. Martin O'Malley saying the recession has already "put a huge delay" on the state's plans for slots. All I read is that the only two locations approved for casinos are running a little ahead of schedule. Lack of interest in one site and legal battles in the other two can't be blamed on the recession.

David Gosey, Towson