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A prominent Baltimore pastor challenged House Speaker Michael E. Busch's opposition to slot machines yesterday, saying gambling could be an industry of last resort that brings jobs and improved housing to failing city neighborhoods.

"I'm almost at the point, no matter how we get there, we need jobs," said the Rev. Harold A. Carter Sr. of New Shiloh Baptist Church, a West Baltimore institution.

Delivering his remarks at a legislative briefing for black clergy at New Psalmist Baptist Church, Carter - who studied at the same seminary as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and considers the civil rights leader a mentor - said his desire for economic growth in Baltimore has nearly superseded his opposition to slots.

Busch has blocked a plan to add slot machines at racetracks championed by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller for two years. Addressing several dozen clergy members, Busch repeated his view that adding slot machines at Pimlico Race Course would be a mistake.