Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced that audit teams from his office will be dropping in today on bars in St. Mary’s County that are using new "video bingo" machines.

 Video bingo machines, which look nearly identical to slot machines, are legal. The proceeds need to be for a non-profit organization, and any profits are subject to a 20 percent state tax.

 There has been a rush of new video bingo machines in St. Mary’s County since the state legalized slot machines in select Maryland counties last year. Sheriff Tim Cameron has said there are as many as 1,000 video bingo machines in the county now.

 Franchot’s audit teams will be checking that the proceeds from the machines are property documented and taxes are being paid to the state.