Section 13-2621 - Gaming permits. - Maryland Statutes

§ 13-2621. Gaming permits.
 

(a)  Qualified organizations.- The county commissioners may issue a permit to any of the following organizations to conduct a fundraiser at which merchandise or money prizes may be awarded by gaming devices: 

(1) a bona fide religious organization that has conducted religious services at the same location in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a permit; 

(2) a volunteer fire company that is supported by the county or a municipal corporation in the county or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with the volunteer fire company or auxiliary unit; 

(3) a nationally chartered veterans' organization or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with the veterans' organization; 

(4) a bona fide nonprofit fraternal, educational, civic, patriotic, or charitable organization that intends to conduct a fundraiser for the benefit of a charity located in the county; or 

(5) a bona fide nonprofit organization that: 

(i) intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose that is specifically described in the permit application; and 

(ii) has operated as a nonprofit organization in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a permit. 

(b)  Determination.- The county commissioners shall determine whether an organization qualifies for a permit under this section. 

(c)  Organization in county required.- An organization must be organized in and serve the residents of the county to be eligible for a permit under this section. 

(d)  Bona fide charity.- An organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is a bona fide charity under this section. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 251B(a)(2)-(4); 2002, ch. 26, § 2.]