(Photo: WBOC)DOVER, Del.- As Kevin Lynch shuts down the video gambling machines at the Dover American Legion, he worries what the lost revenue will mean for those in need.
"I don't think the state realizes how much these places like the American Legion, VFW's, they don't realize how much we donate to the shelters, to the homeless people, to the veterans, everybody," Lynch said.
Last year the Dover American Legion was able to donate $100,000 to the community because of the gambling machines.
"If you talk to any of the Shepherd's Place, the homeless shelters, Home of the Brave, there's no way they can survive without donors," said Jeff Crouser with the Dover American Legion.
But Crouser said the gambling machines were shut down again due to fear of repercussions from the state.
"We can't afford to lose our liquor license," he said. "With our liquor license gone we would have no means of generating revenue."
In addition to not being able to give as much to charity, the American Legion said it may have to make cuts too, possibly layoffs.
"It's already bad enough to find a job now anyways and with this, it's more of a stress," Lynch said.
Jeff Crouser hopes the General Assembly will be able to step in and help once the Legislative Session begins in January in Dover.
