Section 13-1503 - Gaming events. - Maryland Statutes

§ 13-1503. Gaming events.
 

(a)  License required.- Before an organization conducts a gaming event under this subtitle, the organization shall obtain a license from the sheriff. 

(b)  Qualified organizations.- The following organizations may obtain a license to conduct a gaming event: 

(1) a bona fide religious group that has conducted religious services at a fixed location in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a license; 

(2) a State-chartered organization authorized by a nationally chartered veterans organization; 

(3) a tax-supported volunteer fire company; or 

(4) a nonprofit organization that intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose which is specifically described in the application for a license. 

(c)  Application.- An application for a license shall contain a certification by a principal officer of the organization that states: 

(1) the scheduled time and place of the gaming event and the date of any raffle drawing; 

(2) that the licensed activities will be managed and conducted solely and personally by the regular members of the organization without the assistance of gaming professionals; 

(3) that all money prizes offered will comply with the limits listed in this subtitle; 

(4) that the organization, by one of its principal officers, shall, within 15 days after the last day named in the application for conducting the licensed activities, file a report under penalties of perjury containing the information required by § 13-1509 of this subtitle; and 

(5) if the organization is a nonprofit organization that intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose, a specific description of the purpose. 

(d)  Fees.- The sheriff shall charge the following license fees: 

(1) $5 for a bingo license; 

(2) $10 for a paddle wheel license; 

(3) $10 for a raffle license; 

(4) $10 for a 50/50 license; and 

(5) $15 for a members-only instant bingo license. 

(e)  Professional involvement prohibited.- An activity for which a license is issued under this subtitle must be conducted and managed solely and personally by regular members of the organization: 

(1) who do not regularly conduct gaming activities for any other organization; and 

(2) without the assistance of gaming professionals. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 254(b), (c), (d)(1); 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2009, ch. 374.]