Section 13-903 - Gaming events - In general. - Maryland Statutes

§ 13-903. Gaming events - In general.
 

(a)  Permit required.- Before an organization may conduct a gaming event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the county commissioners. 

(b)  Qualified organizations.- To conduct bingo or a gaming event an organization must be a bona fide: 

(1) religious organization; 

(2) fraternal organization; 

(3) civic organization; 

(4) war veterans' organization; 

(5) hospital; 

(6) amateur athletic organization; 

(7) charitable organization; or 

(8) volunteer fire company. 

(c)  Application.-  

(1) Before the county commissioners issue a permit, they shall determine whether the organization applying for the permit qualifies under this subtitle and the conditions of this subtitle are met. 

(2) An application for a permit and the action taken by the county commissioners on that application are public records. 

(d)  Permit.-  

(1) The permit shall state that the gaming event shall be managed and operated only by members of the organization holding the permit. 

(2) A permit is not transferable. 

(e)  Limitations.-  

(1) A gaming event conducted under this section shall be conducted for the benefit of an organization listed in subsection (b) of this section. 

(2) An individual or group of individuals may not benefit financially, or receive proceeds for personal use or benefit, from a gaming event conducted under this section. 

(3) A permit may not authorize the operation of a gaming event after 1 a.m. on Sunday. 

(4) (i) Except as provided in subparagraphs (ii) and (iv) of this paragraph, an organization conducting a gaming event may award a money prize not exceeding $100 or merchandise not exceeding $100 of value to any individual in any one game. 

(ii) The maximum amount of a prize awarded in a raffle is governed by § 13-904(c) of this subtitle. 

(iii) The maximum amount of a prize awarded in a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune game is governed by § 13-905(a) of this subtitle. 

(iv) The maximum amount of a prize awarded in bingo is governed by § 13-908 of this subtitle. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 258(a)(1), (2)(v), (c); 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2003, ch. 21, § 1; 2004, ch. 404; 2007, ch. 273.]