# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 13. Gaming -- Local Provisions

### Subtitle 1. General Provisions

#### Section 13-101

(a) Activities conducted under this title are allowed notwithstanding the provisions of Title 12, Subtitles 1 and 2 of this article.

(b) A county may not issue a commercial bingo license under this title or under any public local law to an entity that was not licensed to conduct commercial bingo on or before June 30, 2008.

### Subtitle 2. Gaming Events -- Certain Counties

#### Section 13-201

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, or raffle.

(c) "Qualified organization" means:

  (1) a volunteer fire company; or

  (2) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) war veterans' organization; or

    (v) charitable organization.

#### Section 13-202

Except as otherwise provided in this title, this subtitle applies in the following counties:

(1) Allegany County;

(2) Anne Arundel County;

(3) Baltimore County;

(4) Calvert County;

(5) Caroline County;

(6) Carroll County;

(7) Dorchester County;

(8) Frederick County;

(9) Garrett County;

(10) Howard County;

(11) Prince George's County;

(12) St. Mary's County;

(13) Somerset County;

(14) Talbot County; and

(15) Washington County.

#### Section 13-203

This title and Title 12 of this article do not prohibit a qualified organization from conducting a gaming event for the exclusive benefit of a qualified organization if an individual or group of individuals does not:

(1) benefit financially from the gaming event under this subtitle; or

(2) receive any of the proceeds from the gaming event under this subtitle for personal use or benefit.

#### Section 13-204

A qualified organization may award a prize in money or in merchandise at a gaming event using any gaming device, including:

(1) a paddle wheel;

(2) a wheel of fortune;

(3) a chance book; or

(4) bingo.

#### Section 13-205

A qualified organization that conducts a gaming event under this subtitle shall manage the gaming event personally through its members.

### Subtitle 3. Allegany County

#### Section 13-301

Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Allegany County.

#### Section 13-302

(a)

  (1) In this section, "paper gaming" means a game of chance in which:

    (i) prizes are awarded; and

    (ii) the devices used to play the game are constructed out of paper or cardboard.

  (2) "Paper gaming" includes tip jar and punchboard gaming.

  (3) "Paper gaming" does not include bingo.

(b) This section applies only in Allegany County.

(c)

  (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a person that is a for profit business or qualified organization may engage in paper gaming if the person obtains a paper gaming license that is issued by the Board of County Commissioners.

  (2) If the person is a for profit business, the person shall also hold a Class A, C, or D retail alcoholic beverages license.

  (3) Qualified organizations that do not have an alcoholic beverages license and fire and rescue departments may engage in paper gaming without obtaining a paper gaming license.

(d) A person may sell paper gaming devices to a paper gaming licensee if the person obtains a wholesale vendor's license issued by the Board of County Commissioners.

(e) The Board of County Commissioners shall set annual fees for a paper gaming license and a wholesale vendor's license.

(f) Monthly, wholesale vendor licensees shall provide a list to the Board of County Commissioners of all customers to whom they sell paper gaming products and the total number of products sold to each customer.

(g) A paper gaming licensee may not have on its premises a paper gaming device that does not display a gaming sticker.

(h) The Board of County Commissioners shall ensure that each retail alcoholic beverages licensee who holds a paper gaming license sells to the public the same serial-numbered paper gaming devices that are listed on the bill of sale from the wholesale vendor licensee.

(i)

  (1) The Board of County Commissioners may impose the following paper gaming taxes:

    (i) on licensees that are qualified organizations, 10% of gross profits minus the costs of paper gaming products; and

    (ii) on licensees that are for profit businesses, 40% of gross profits minus the costs of paper gaming products.

  (2) The Board of County Commissioners may not impose a paper gaming tax on qualified organizations that do not have an alcoholic beverages license or fire and rescue departments that buy paper gaming devices from a licensed wholesale vendor.

(j)

  (1) In this subsection, "Fund" means the Special Gaming Fund.

  (2) The Board of County Commissioners may establish a Special Gaming Fund.

  (3) The Fund is a special continuing, nonlapsing fund.

  (4) The Fund may be used only to benefit fire and rescue departments and to pay for specified school costs.

  (5)

    (i) The Fund consists of:

      (1) revenue derived from the taxation of gross profits from tip jar sales; and

      (2) subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, money received from other sources.

    (ii) Money from the General Fund of the State or county, including any federal money, may not be transferred by budget amendment or otherwise to the Fund.

  (6) The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other county funds.

  (7) Annually the Board of County Commissioners shall:

    (i) pay from the Fund all administrative costs of carrying out this section, including the hiring of additional necessary personnel; and

    (ii) allocate the remaining money in the Fund as follows:

      (1) at least 25% but not more than 35% to fire and rescue departments; and

      (2) the balance to pay for school construction, school supplies, and other nonmaintenance of effort costs.

(k) The Board of County Commissioners may adopt rules and regulations to administer and enforce this section.

(l) The Board of County Commissioners may:

  (1) hire one or more inspectors; and

  (2) authorize each inspector to enter the premises of a licensee to ensure compliance with this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section.

(m) The Board of County Commissioners may adopt an ordinance or resolution declaring that a violation of this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section is:

  (1) a civil infraction under Title 11, Subtitle 2 of the Local Government Article; or

  (2) a misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(n) After a hearing, if the Board of County Commissioners or a designee of the Board finds that a paper gaming licensee, a wholesale vendor licensee, or an agent of a licensee has violated this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section, the Board may suspend or revoke the license in addition to any fine or penalty imposed under subsection (m) of this section.

### Subtitle 4. Anne Arundel County

#### Section 13-401

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

  (1) "Casino event" means any event that involves a card game, dice game, or roulette game.

  (2) "Casino event" does not include a card game or dice game that is played for tokens for which no cash prize is offered or awarded.

(c) "Gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, raffle, or other organized gaming event.

#### Section 13-402

(a) This subtitle applies only in Anne Arundel County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Anne Arundel County.

#### Section 13-403

(a) "Qualified member" means a person who:

  (1) obtained a membership in an organization in accordance with the charter and bylaws of the organization; and

  (2) has been a member for at least 12 months immediately before the gaming event.

(b) A gaming device that is used at a gaming event shall be operated:

  (1) by qualified members of the organization or qualified members of other organizations allowed to operate gaming devices under this section; and

  (2) without the assistance of professional gaming device operators.

(c)

  (1) A person may not receive compensation from an organization for managing or operating a gaming device at a gaming event.

  (2) Another organization that operates a gaming device under this subtitle may receive compensation from an organization for managing or operating a gaming device at a gaming event.

(d) Each organization conducting a gaming event shall submit to the Department of Inspections and Permits, in a manner determined by the county, a report under oath for each gaming event that provides:

  (1) an accounting of all funds received; and

  (2) a listing of the names, addresses, ages, and dates of membership of each individual who managed or operated a gaming device at the gaming event, including a statement that the individual is a qualified member of the organization.

(e) This section may not be construed to:

  (1) limit or restrict the authority of the county to regulate, license, and designate the type of amusement or gaming devices that may be operated in the county; or

  (2) amend or apply to the laws pertaining to raffles in the county under Sec. 13-405 of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-404

Except as provided in Sec. 13-404.1 of this subtitle, a person may not conduct a casino event in the county.

#### Section 13-404.1

(a) In this section, "permit" means a permit to conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

(b) Before an organization may conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the County Department of Inspections and Permits.

(c) To qualify for a permit, an organization shall be:

  (1) a nonprofit foundation that provides support to the work and people of Fort George G. Meade; or

  (2) a chamber of commerce located within Anne Arundel County.

(d)

  (1) A card game, card tournament, or casino event may be:

    (i) managed and operated by the organization that is the permit holder; or

    (ii) managed by the organization that is the permit holder and operated by another organization listed in subsection (c) of this section.

  (2)

    (i) An operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event may not receive compensation.

    (ii) To volunteer as an operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 18 years old.

    (iii) To participate in a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 21 years old.

(e) An organization that is the permit holder may receive not more than one permit in a calendar year.

(f) A permit is not transferable.

(g) Proceeds from a card game, card tournament, or casino event conducted under this section:

  (1) shall be used to benefit a charity or to further the purpose of the permit holder; and

  (2) may not be used for the financial benefit or personal use of an individual or a group of individuals.

(h) A permit may authorize the operation of a card game, card tournament, or casino event only on Friday or Saturday between 4 p.m. and midnight.

(i)

  (1) An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

  (2) Participants in a card game, card tournament, or casino event shall receive tokens for wagering in exchange for the entrance fee.

  (3) A participant may purchase additional tokens, at a total cost not exceeding 100% of the entrance fee, during a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

  (4) An organization that is the permit holder may not allow cash to be used for wagering.

  (5) A holder of a permit may serve or sell alcoholic beverages at a card game, card tournament, or casino event only if the holder is issued the proper alcoholic beverages license by the Board of License Commissioners of Anne Arundel County.

(j) An organization that is the permit holder may not exchange tokens used for wagering for:

  (1) an item of merchandise that is worth more than $500;

  (2) money; or

  (3) an item of merchandise having a value that is different from the fair market retail value of the item of merchandise that was received for the tokens.

(k) An organization that is found to have violated this section is ineligible to receive a permit under this section for a period of 5 years.

(l) The County Executive may adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations to govern:

  (1) the issuing of permits; and

  (2) the conduct and management of a card game, card tournament, or casino event in a manner to prevent fraud and protect the public.

(m) The County Council may adopt regulations to govern permit fees under this section.

#### Section 13-405

(a) A bona fide fraternal, civic, war veterans', or charitable organization, or a volunteer fire company may conduct a raffle in the county for the benefit of charity if:

  (1) the raffle is conducted to further the purposes of the organization; and

  (2) no individual or group of individuals financially benefits from the holding of the raffle or receives any of the proceeds from the raffle for personal use.

(b) Prizes may be awarded by the use of paddle wheels, wheels of fortune, or chance books.

#### Section 13-406

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a political committee, as defined in Sec. 1-101 of the Election Law Article, may conduct a fundraiser at which prizes of merchandise or money are awarded in a game or spin using a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune.

(b) A political committee may award a merchandise or money prize under this section that does not exceed the amount otherwise allowed for a prize in the county.

#### Section 13-407

(a) In this section, "bingo" includes the game of instant bingo.

(b) A bona fide religious, fraternal, or charitable organization, or a volunteer fire company operating in a community that does not have a paid fire department, may conduct bingo in the county:

  (1) for the benefit of charity in the county; or

  (2) to further the purposes of the organization.

#### Section 13-408

(a) A person may not knowingly operate or attempt to operate a gaming event in the county in violation of Sec. 13-403, Sec. 13-404, or Sec. 13-404.1 of this subtitle.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

### Subtitle 5. Baltimore City

#### Section 13-501

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Commissioner" means the Baltimore City Police Commissioner.

(c) "Designated city agency" means an agency designated by the Baltimore City government.

(d)

  (1) "Electronic device" means a device that is capable of transmitting, receiving, or recording messages, images, sounds, data, or other information by electronic means or that, in appearance, purports to be a cell phone, computer, or other such device.

  (2) "Electronic device" includes a cell phone or computer.

  (3) "Electronic device" does not include a video lottery terminal as defined under Sec. 9-1A-01 of the State Government Article.

(e) "Gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, or raffle.

(f)

  (1) "Geofence" means technology that establishes a virtual geographical boundary.

  (2) "Geofence" includes boundaries that are established or monitored through the use of:

    (i) global positioning technology;

    (ii) cell tower connectivity;

    (iii) cellular data;

    (iv) radio frequency identification;

    (v) wireless fidelity technology; or

    (vi) any other form of location determination technology.

(g) "Raffle" means one or more drawings from a single series of chances sold.

#### Section 13-502

This subtitle applies only in Baltimore City.

#### Section 13-503

(a) This section does not apply to a raffle authorized under Sec. 13-505.1 of this subtitle.

(b) Before an organization listed in subsection (c) of this section may operate a gaming event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the commissioner.

(c)

  (1) An organization that meets the conditions of paragraph (2) of this subsection may conduct a gaming event for the benefit of any of the following listed organizations if the organization is a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) veterans' hospital;

    (v) amateur athletic organization in which all playing members are under the age of 18 years; or

    (vi) charitable organization.

  (2) An organization conducting a gaming event shall:

    (i) be located in Baltimore City; and

    (ii) spend a majority of the organization's funds in Baltimore City for:

      (1) fraternal purposes;

      (2) civic purposes;

      (3) purposes related to a veterans' hospital;

      (4) purposes related to amateur athletics; or

      (5) charitable purposes.

(d)

  (1) Before the commissioner may issue a permit, the commissioner shall review the character of the organization applying for the permit to ascertain that the organization meets the requirements of Sec.Sec. 13-503 through 13-505 of this subtitle.

  (2) The commissioner shall make any application for a permit and the action taken by the commissioner on that application a matter of public record.

(e)

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

  (2) The permit is not transferable.

(f) An organization conducting a gaming event in Baltimore City may not allow an individual or group of individuals to:

  (1) benefit financially from the gaming event; or

  (2) receive any of the proceeds of the gaming event for personal use or benefit.

#### Section 13-504

An organization conducting a gaming event may award a prize of money or merchandise to any individual in any amount in one game or spin using:

(1) a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune; or

(2) a film of a horse race.

#### Section 13-505

(a) A permit holder may award prizes in merchandise and money in a raffle in any amount.

(b) Except as provided in Sec. 13-505.1(d)(1)(ii) of this subtitle, a permit holder may not conduct more than 12 raffles in a calendar year.

#### Section 13-505.1

(a) A raffle may be conducted by an organization that:

  (1) is located in Baltimore City;

  (2) spends a majority of the organization's funds in Baltimore City for:

    (i) fraternal purposes;

    (ii) civic purposes;

    (iii) purposes related to a veterans' hospital;

    (iv) purposes related to amateur athletics; or

    (v) charitable purposes; and

  (3) is affiliated with:

    (i) a professional Major League Baseball team that plays its home games in Baltimore City; or

    (ii) a professional National Football League team that plays its home games in Baltimore City.

(b)

  (1) Before conducting a raffle, an organization shall obtain a written permit from the designated city agency.

  (2) Before issuing a permit, the designated city agency shall ascertain the character of the organization to determine if the permit should be issued.

(c)

  (1) A permit issued to an organization under this section may not be transferred.

  (2) The permit shall state that the raffle is required to be managed and operated only by members of the organization obtaining the permit.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the designated city agency may issue a single permit to an organization to hold raffles at multiple professional Major League Baseball or professional National Football League games played in Baltimore City.

    (ii) There is no limit on the number of raffles that an organization may conduct in conjunction with professional Major League Baseball or professional National Football League games played in Baltimore City.

  (2) A permit to hold raffles at multiple professional Major League Baseball or professional National Football League games played in Baltimore City expires 1 year after the date on which the permit is issued.

(e) An organization conducting a raffle may:

  (1) set the price of raffle tickets; and

  (2) award prizes in merchandise and money in any amount.

(f) An organization conducting a raffle may not allow an individual or group of individuals to:

  (1) benefit financially from the raffle; or

  (2) receive any of the proceeds of the raffle for personal use or benefit.

(g)

  (1) A raffle ticket sold by an organization in conjunction with a professional Major League Baseball or professional National Football League game played in Baltimore City:

    (i) may only be sold using age-verification measures to ensure that the buyer is at least 18 years old;

    (ii) may be sold and received in-person or on an electronic device only within the geographical boundaries described in paragraph (2) of this subsection; and

    (iii)

      (1) with respect to a raffle conducted by an organization described under subsection (a)(3)(i) of this section, shall be sold and received not earlier than 1 hour before the official start of the baseball game and not later than the seventh inning of that baseball game; or

      (2) with respect to a raffle conducted by an organization described under subsection (a)(3)(ii) of this section, shall be sold and received not earlier than 4.5 hours before the official start of the football game and not later than the third quarter of that football game.

  (2) An organization conducting a raffle under this section:

    (i) is not subject to Sec. 12-108 of this article, provided that an individual may not purchase more than $50 worth of tickets or make more than one credit transaction each day; and

    (ii) shall use a geofence to ensure that raffle tickets sold and received on an electronic device are sold and received within an area in Baltimore City that is bounded as follows:

      (1) with respect to a raffle conducted by an organization described under subsection (a)(3)(i) of this section during a baseball game, from the intersection of West Camden Street and South Howard Street, south on South Howard Street to West Conway Street, west on West Conway Street to South Eutaw Street, south on South Eutaw Street to West Lee Street, west on West Lee Street to Russell Street, north on Russell Street to South Paca Street, northeast on South Paca Street to West Camden Street, and east on West Camden Street to the intersection of West Camden Street and South Howard Street; and

      (2) with respect to a raffle conducted by an organization described under subsection (a)(3)(ii) of this section during a football game, from the intersection of West Camden Street and South Howard Street, west on West Camden Street to Washington Boulevard, southwest on Washington Boulevard to West Barre Street, south on West Barre Street to Carroll Street, northeast on Carroll Street to South Paca Street, south on South Paca Street to West Ostend Street, including the southern boundary of 701 West Ostend Street, east on the southern boundary of 701 West Ostend Street to Ridgely Street, north on Ridgely Street to the intersection of West Ostend Street and Ridgely Street, east on West Ostend Street to Cal Ripken Way, north on Cal Ripken Way to South Howard Street, and north on South Howard Street to the intersection of South Howard Street and West Camden Street.

#### Section 13-506

(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title or Title 12 of this article, a political committee as defined in Sec. 1-101 of the Election Law Article may conduct a fundraiser at which prizes of merchandise or money are awarded in a game or spin using a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune.

(b) A political committee may award a prize of merchandise or money at a fundraiser that does not exceed the amount otherwise allowed for a prize in Baltimore City.

#### Section 13-507

(a) This section and Sec. 13-509 of this subtitle also apply to games of instant bingo.

(b) Before an organization listed in subsection (c) or (d) of this section may conduct bingo in Baltimore City, the organization shall obtain a permit to do so from the commissioner.

(c) An organization that meets the conditions of subsection (i)(1) of this section may conduct bingo in Baltimore City if the organization is a bona fide:

  (1) religious organization;

  (2) fraternal organization;

  (3) patriotic organization;

  (4) educational organization; or

  (5) charitable organization.

(d) An organization that meets the conditions of subsection (i)(2) of this section may conduct bingo in Baltimore City if the organization is:

  (1) devoted exclusively to religious, charitable, or educational purposes;

  (2) a service organization;

  (3) a fraternal organization; or

  (4) a veterans' organization.

(e)

  (1) Before the commissioner may issue a permit, the commissioner shall review the character of the organization applying for the permit to ascertain that the organization meets the requirements of this section.

  (2) The organization applying for the permit shall pay the permit fee set in subsection (g) of this section.

  (3) An application for a permit and the action taken by the commissioner on that application are public records.

(f) The commissioner may issue a permit for:

  (1) 1 day; or

  (2) a period exceeding 1 day and not exceeding 12 months.

(g) Except as allowed under subsection (h)(1) of this section, the commissioner shall collect from each permit holder, to cover the costs of administering the Baltimore City bingo laws, a permit fee not exceeding:

  (1) $10 for each day on which bingo may be conducted;

  (2) $750 for a 3-month period; or

  (3) $3,000 for a 12-month period.

(h)

  (1) The commissioner may collect a special annual permit fee of $5 for a nonprofit organization or nonprofit corporation to conduct, over 1 year, a number of bingo games for which, for each game:

    (i) the value of any prize of merchandise or money is not more than $5; and

    (ii) not more than 100 individuals play.

  (2) The commissioner may revoke a special annual permit for cause.

(i)

  (1) An organization conducting bingo in Baltimore City under subsection (c) of this section:

    (i) except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, may not offer or award, in any game:

      (1) a money prize of more than $45; or

      (2) a prize of merchandise worth more than $45; and

    (ii) after reimbursing any costs incurred in conducting bingo for personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses, shall use the entire proceeds for:

      (1) charitable purposes; or

      (2) to further the purposes of an organization listed in subsection (c) of this section.

  (2) An organization conducting bingo in Baltimore City under subsection (d) of this section:

    (i) may not use the net proceeds to benefit a stockholder or member of the organization;

    (ii) after reimbursing any costs incurred in conducting bingo for personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses, shall use the net proceeds:

      (1) solely for charitable purposes; or

      (2) to further the purposes of an organization listed in subsection (d) of this section; and

    (iii) shall limit prizes of money or merchandise to a value not exceeding:

      (1) $5,000 for the total of all prizes;

      (2) $75 for the total of all door prizes;

      (3) $45 for each of not more than five early bird games;

      (4) $75 for each of not more than 19 regular games;

      (5) $150 for the starting prize of one regular game with a jackpot, with nightly increases not exceeding $75 and a consolation prize not exceeding $75;

      (6) $150 for each of not more than four regular special games;

      (7) 50% of the proceeds for each of not more than four split-the-pot games;

      (8) 100% of the proceeds for not more than one winner-take-all game;

      (9) $3,000 for a jackpot game which starts at 50 numbers and adds one number every second night;

      (10) if the jackpot is not won, $375 for a consolation prize for any jackpot game;

      (11) $300 for the first jackpot game in a buildup jackpot game which starts at $300 and 50 numbers and adds one number and $75 each night; and

      (12) if the jackpot is not won, $225 for the consolation prize for any buildup jackpot game.

  (3) A bingo permit holder issued a permit under either subsection (c) or (d) of this section may not conduct bingo:

    (i) in a restaurant or tavern where alcoholic beverages are sold;

    (ii) in a permanent place of amusement or entertainment; or

    (iii) on Sunday, except by a bona fide religious organization that conducts bingo on property owned or leased by the organization.

#### Section 13-508

Notwithstanding Sec. 13-507 of this subtitle, an organization may conduct bingo if:

(1) the membership of the organization consists only of individuals who are at least 60 years old;

(2) the organization was formed primarily for social purposes;

(3) all proceeds of the games of bingo are used only to further the purposes of the organization; and

(4) the organization complies with the permit procedures and conditions imposed under Sec. 13-507 of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-509

The commissioner may adopt regulations reasonably necessary to administer Sec. 13-507 of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-510

(a) A person may not knowingly conduct or attempt to conduct a bazaar or raffle in violation of Sec.Sec. 13-503 through 13-505 and 13-505.1 of this subtitle.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

### Subtitle 6. Baltimore County

#### Section 13-601

In this subtitle, "gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, or raffle.

#### Section 13-602

(a) This subtitle applies only in Baltimore County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Baltimore County to:

  (1) except as provided in Sec. 13-606 of this subtitle, bingo;

  (2) instant bingo;

  (3) a bona fide amateur athletic organization in which all playing members are under the age of 18 years;

  (4) a bona fide veterans' hospital; and

  (5) a bona fide veterans' organization.

#### Section 13-603

(a) Before an organization listed in subsection (b) of this section may operate a gaming event or casino event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the Department of Permits and Development Management.

(b)

  (1) An organization that meets the conditions of paragraph (2) of this subsection may conduct a gaming event or casino event if the organization is a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization, including:

      (1) a hunting organization;

      (2) a social organization; or

      (3) a sporting organization;

    (iv) volunteer fire organization;

    (v) veterans' organization;

    (vi) veterans' hospital;

    (vii) amateur athletic organization; or

    (viii) charitable organization.

  (2) An organization that conducts a gaming event or casino event under this section shall spend a majority of the net proceeds from the gaming event or casino event for the following in the county:

    (i) purposes that benefit religious purposes;

    (ii) fraternal purposes;

    (iii) civic purposes;

    (iv) volunteer fire operations;

    (v) purposes that benefit veterans;

    (vi) purposes that benefit a veterans' hospital;

    (vii) purposes related to amateur athletics; or

    (viii) charitable purposes.

(c)

  (1) A permit to conduct a gaming event or casino event shall provide that only the members of the permit holder may manage the gaming event or casino event.

  (2) A permit is not transferable.

(d)

  (1) An organization that obtains a permit may award a prize of money or merchandise using:

    (i) a paddle wheel;

    (ii) a wheel of fortune;

    (iii) a chance book;

    (iv) bingo; or

    (v) any other gaming device except:

      (1) a card game;

      (2) a dice game; or

      (3) roulette.

  (2) Except as provided in Sec. 13-604 of this subtitle, a person may not:

    (i) operate a card game, a dice game, or roulette; or

    (ii) conduct a casino event.

  (3) An organization that obtains a permit shall ensure that:

    (i) an individual or group of individuals does not benefit financially from the holding of the gaming event;

    (ii) an individual or group of individuals does not receive any of the proceeds of the gaming event for personal use or benefit; and

    (iii) the gaming event is managed personally by the members of the permit holder.

#### Section 13-604

(a) Subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an organization may conduct:

  (1) one casino event that includes a card game during each calendar month; and

  (2) one casino event that includes roulette during each calendar year.

(b) To conduct a casino event under subsection (a) of this section, an organization shall be a bona fide:

  (1) religious organization;

  (2) fraternal organization;

  (3) civic organization, including:

    (i) a hunting organization;

    (ii) a social organization; or

    (iii) a sporting organization;

  (4) volunteer fire company;

  (5) war veterans' organization; or

  (6) charitable organization.

(c)

  (1) A permit holder for a casino event that includes a card game or roulette shall ensure that:

    (i) the event is conducted in accordance with Sec. 13-603(d)(3) of this subtitle;

    (ii) a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of the organization sponsoring the event has not sponsored a casino event within the calendar month; and

    (iii) the casino event is conducted between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m.

  (2) A person that holds a casino event that includes a card game or roulette may not:

    (i) offer or award a money prize to a player of the card game or roulette game;

    (ii) allow a player to bet more than $10 in any one game within the calendar month;

    (iii) exchange tokens used in wagering for an item of merchandise that is worth more than $1,000; or

    (iv) exchange merchandise that was received for tokens that were used in wagering for:

      (1) money; or

      (2) an item of merchandise having a value that is different from the fair retail market value of the item of merchandise that was received for the tokens.

  (3)

    (i) Within 60 days after holding a casino event that includes a card game or roulette, the holder of the permit for the event shall submit to the Department of Permits and Development Management a financial report that lists the receipts and expenditures for the casino event.

    (ii) Before the permit holder submits the report to the Department of Permits and Development Management, the permit holder shall submit the report to the county police department for review.

(d)

  (1) The Department of Permits and Development Management shall adopt regulations to govern:

    (i) the issuing of a permit to conduct a casino event; and

    (ii) the conduct and management of a casino event in a manner designed to prevent fraud and protect the public.

  (2) The regulations shall require that a separate permit be issued for each casino event to be conducted.

#### Section 13-605

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a political committee, as defined in Sec. 1-101 of the Election Law Article, may conduct a fundraiser at which prizes of money or merchandise are awarded in a game or spin using a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune.

(b) A political committee may award a money or merchandise prize under this section if the prize does not exceed the amount otherwise allowed for a prize in the county.

#### Section 13-606

(a) Before an organization may conduct bingo in the county, the organization shall obtain a bingo license from the Department of Permits and Development Management.

(b) An organization may conduct bingo to benefit charity in the county or to further its purposes if the organization is:

  (1) a tax-supported volunteer fire company or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with a tax-supported volunteer fire company;

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

  (3) 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 bingo license;

  (4) the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society;

  (5) a bona fide fraternal organization;

  (6) a bona fide patriotic organization; or

  (7) a bona fide charitable organization that has been located at a fixed location in the county for 3 years before applying for a bingo license.

(c)

  (1) An applicant for a bingo license shall apply for a license on the application form that the Department of Permits and Development Management provides.

  (2) The application shall include:

    (i) the name of the applicant;

    (ii) the name and address of each officer and director of the applicant;

    (iii) a complete statement of the purposes of the applicant;

    (iv) a statement of the purpose for which the proceeds of the bingo operation will be used;

    (v) an affidavit that an agreement does not exist to divide any part of the proceeds of the bingo operation with any other person that is made by:

      (1) the president;

      (2) the treasurer;

      (3) the chief executive; or

      (4) a fiscal officer;

    (vi) an affidavit that only the applicant or a member of the applicant will receive any of the proceeds of the bingo operation except to further the purposes of the applicant organization; and

    (vii) any other information the Department of Permits and Development Management requires.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) An annual bingo license issued by the Department of Permits and Development Management authorizes the license holder to conduct bingo at the fixed location stated on the license:

      (1) at any time during the year for which the license is issued; but

      (2) not more often than twice each week in the year for which the license is issued.

    (ii) An applicant for an annual license shall pay the fee that the Department of Permits and Development Management sets.

  (2)

    (i) A temporary license issued by the Department of Permits and Development Management authorizes the license holder to conduct bingo at the fixed location stated on the license for not more than 10 days in the year for which the license is issued.

    (ii) An applicant for a temporary license shall pay the fee that the administrative officer of the county sets.

  (3)

    (i) A 1-day license issued by the Department of Permits and Development Management authorizes the license holder to conduct bingo at a fixed location stated on the license for not more than 1 day in the year for which the license is issued.

    (ii) An applicant for a 1-day license shall pay a fee that the administrative officer of the county sets.

    (iii) The Department of Permits and Development Management may not grant an applicant more than three 1-day licenses in any calendar year.

(e)

  (1) The Department of Permits and Development Management may require the holder of a bingo license to produce its financial records for inspection so that the Department may ensure that the license holder and the members of the license holder have complied with subsection (c)(2)(v) and (vi) of this section.

  (2) A person may not conduct bingo on Sunday.

(f) The Department of Permits and Development Management shall deposit the fees paid for bingo licenses issued under this section in the county Widows' Pension Fund.

(g) After a public hearing, the Department of Permits and Development Management may revoke the license of a license holder that fails to comply with this section or the regulations that the Department adopts under this section.

(h) The Department of Permits and Development Management may adopt regulations to govern:

  (1) the conduct of bingo;

  (2) the amounts of the prizes that may be awarded in a game of bingo;

  (3) the method of awarding prizes;

  (4) the hours that bingo may be conducted; and

  (5) any other matters related to the proper conduct of bingo.

(i)

  (1)

    (i) A person may not divert or pay any proceeds of bingo conducted under a bingo license to:

      (1) any other person, except to a member of the license holder; or

      (2) any other partnership or corporation, except to further the purposes of the license holder.

    (ii) A person who is not a member of a license holder may not receive any of the proceeds of bingo conducted under a bingo license except to further the purposes of the license holder.

    (iii) A person may not violate a regulation that the Department of Permits and Development Management adopts under subsection (h) of this section.

  (2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

#### Section 13-607

(a) A person may not knowingly conduct or attempt to conduct a gaming event or casino event in violation of Sec.Sec. 13-603 through 13-605 of this subtitle.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

### Subtitle 7. Calvert County

#### Section 13-701

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Committee" means the Gambling Permit Review Committee appointed by the county commissioners under Sec. 13-704 of this subtitle.

(c) "County commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Calvert County.

(d) "Gaming event" includes a carnival and a bazaar.

#### Section 13-702

(a) This subtitle applies only in Calvert County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Calvert County.

#### Section 13-703

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

(b) An organization may conduct a gaming event in the county if the organization is:

  (1) a volunteer fire company; or

  (2) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) war veterans' organization; or

    (v) charitable organization.

(c)

  (1) The permit shall state:

    (i) the nature of any gaming device to be operated at the gaming event; and

    (ii) the frequency with which the gaming event will be conducted.

  (2) The county commissioners may charge a reasonable fee for a permit.

#### Section 13-704

(a)

  (1) The county commissioners shall appoint a Gambling Permit Review Committee.

  (2) The committee consists of five regular members and two alternate members.

  (3) A quorum of the committee consists of:

    (i) three regular members; or

    (ii) if fewer than three regular members are present at a meeting, enough alternate members designated by the chairperson to act as regular members to create a quorum.

  (4) An alternate member of the committee may serve only as provided under paragraph (3) of this subsection.

(b) Subject to the approval of the county commissioners, the committee shall adopt regulations to govern gambling activities and the issuance of permits under Sec. 13-703 of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-705

(a) For purposes of this section, a game of instant bingo conducted under a Class NG beach license is considered to be bingo.

(b) Before a person may conduct bingo in the county, the person shall obtain a license from the county commissioners.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a person who complies with this section may conduct bingo in the county.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) The county commissioners may not issue a license unless the application was filed at least 30 days before the date of issuance.

    (ii) An applicant for a license shall:

      (1) file an application on a form that the county commissioners provide; and

      (2) sign the application under oath.

    (iii) The application shall include:

      (1) the name of the applicant;

      (2) the address of the applicant;

      (3) any trade name of the applicant;

      (4) if the applicant is a partnership, the name and address of each partner;

      (5) if the applicant is a corporation, the name and address of each officer of the corporation;

      (6) if a resident agent is required under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the name and address of the applicant's resident agent;

      (7) the name and address of any person having a financial interest in the operation of the proposed bingo; and

      (8) the signatures of all of the individuals listed in items 1 through 7 of this subparagraph indicating consent to individual liability for any unlawful operation of licensed bingo.

    (iv)

      (1) The county commissioners may refuse to issue a license based on the facts disclosed on an application.

      (2) Subparagraph (i) of this paragraph does not require the county commissioners to investigate an applicant's statements on the application before issuing a license.

  (2) Each applicant for a license shall present evidence to the county commissioners that the applicant has obtained a public liability insurance policy that:

    (i) covers the period covered by the proposed license;

    (ii) provides coverage for personal injury to:

      (1) any bingo patron in an amount not less than $100,000; and

      (2) more than one bingo patron in an amount not less than $500,000.

  (3)

    (i) Each nonresident applicant for a license shall designate a resident agent.

    (ii) A resident agent must be:

      (1) a voter in the county;

      (2) a taxpayer of the county; and

      (3) an owner of property in the county assessed at not less than $25,000.

(e)

  (1) The county commissioners may issue the following licenses:

    (i) a Class NA license, for bingo that does not exceed a seating or player capacity of 750 individuals;

    (ii) a Class NB license, for bingo that does not exceed a seating or player capacity of 500 individuals;

    (iii) a Class NC license, for bingo that does not exceed a seating or player capacity of 1,000 individuals;

    (iv) a Class ND beach license, for bingo that:

      (1) does not exceed a seating or player capacity of 500 individuals;

      (2) may be operated within the town limits of North Beach or Chesapeake Beach; and

      (3) may be operated between May 1 and September 30;

    (v) a Class NE beach license, for bingo that:

      (1) does not exceed a seating or player capacity of 1,000 individuals;

      (2) may be operated within the town limits of North Beach or Chesapeake Beach; and

      (3) may be operated between May 1 and September 30;

    (vi) a Class NF beach license, for bingo that:

      (1) does not exceed a seating or player capacity of 500 individuals;

      (2) may be operated within the town limits of North Beach or Chesapeake Beach; and

      (3) may be operated throughout the year; or

    (vii) a Class NG beach license, for bingo that:

      (1) does not have a limitation on seating or player capacity;

      (2) may be operated within the town limits of North Beach or Chesapeake Beach; and

      (3) may be operated throughout the year.

  (2) The county commissioners shall:

    (i) retain a copy of each license issued;

    (ii) issue a copy of the license to the license holder; and

    (iii) forward a copy of the license to the State Comptroller.

  (3) A license is not transferable.

(f) The county commissioners shall assess the following annual license fees:

  (1) $3,500 for a Class NA license;

  (2) $3,000 for a Class NB license;

  (3) $4,000 for a Class NC license;

  (4) $500 for a Class ND beach license;

  (5) $1,000 for a Class NE beach license;

  (6) $3,000 for a Class NF beach license; and

  (7) $5,000 for a Class NG beach license.

(g)

  (1) The county commissioners may not issue a license if the conduct of bingo would:

    (i) unduly disturb the peace of the neighborhood in which the applicant proposes to conduct bingo;

    (ii) create a nuisance; or

    (iii) be detrimental to the health or welfare of the community.

  (2)

    (i) The county commissioners may not issue a license to conduct bingo in a building that is not permanent and covered by a roof.

    (ii) This paragraph does not apply to a person who is not required to obtain a license to conduct bingo.

  (3)

    (i) The following licenses may not allow the conduct of bingo on Sunday:

      (1) a Class NA license;

      (2) a Class NB license; or

      (3) a Class NC license.

    (ii) The following licenses may not allow the conduct of bingo before 1 p.m. on Sunday:

      (1) a Class ND beach license;

      (2) a Class NE beach license; or

      (3) a Class NF beach license.

    (iii) A Class NG beach license may not allow the conduct of bingo between 2 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

#### Section 13-706

The following organizations are not required to obtain a license under Sec. 13-705 of this subtitle to conduct bingo:

(1) a religious organization;

(2) a patriotic organization;

(3) an educational organization;

(4) a charitable or benevolent organization;

(5) a civic organization;

(6) a volunteer fire company; or

(7) any other organization that is authorized under Sec. 13-703 of this subtitle and Subtitle 2 of this title to conduct bingo in the county.

#### Section 13-707

(a) A license holder may issue as a prize or award to the patron of licensed bingo:

  (1) merchandise;

  (2) money;

  (3) a token or ticket redeemable for money or merchandise; or

  (4) any other thing of value.

(b)

  (1) Except as provided under paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a license holder may not issue for one game a prize or award with a value exceeding $100.

  (2) A holder of a Class NG beach license may issue for one game a prize with a value exceeding $100.

  (3) A license holder may issue once each day:

    (i) a grand prize not exceeding $1,500; and

    (ii) a grand prize not exceeding $3,000 in retail value.

#### Section 13-708

In addition to any other penalty provided by law, the county commissioners may revoke a bingo license forthwith if:

(1) the county commissioners determine after an investigation that:

  (i) the license holder made a false statement in the application for the license; or

  (ii) the conduct of licensed bingo at the premises named in the license would:

    (1) disturb the peace of the neighborhood;

    (2) create a nuisance; or

    (3) be detrimental to the morals, health, or welfare of the community; or

(2) the license holder is convicted of:

  (i) violating Sec.Sec. 13-705 through 13-707 of this subtitle; or

  (ii) a felony.

#### Section 13-709

(a) The county commissioners may adopt regulations to govern:

  (1) the conduct or play of bingo;

  (2) the issuance of bingo licenses;

  (3) the setting of fees for bingo licenses; and

  (4) the determination of the election districts and precincts in which bingo may be conducted.

(b) In adopting regulations, the county commissioners shall ensure uniform application as to:

  (1) the determination of the districts and precincts in which bingo may be conducted; and

  (2) the setting of fees.

### Subtitle 8. Caroline County

#### Section 13-801

Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Caroline County.

### Subtitle 9. Carroll County

#### Section 13-901

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "County commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Carroll County.

(c) "Gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, raffle, or other game of entertainment.

#### Section 13-902

(a) This subtitle applies only in Carroll County.

(b) Subject to this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Carroll County.

#### Section 13-903

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

(b) 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)

  (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)

  (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)

  (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)

    (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 Sec. 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 Sec. 13-905(a) of this subtitle.

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

#### Section 13-904

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Multi-drawing raffle" means a raffle for which the drawings are held on more than 1 day.

  (3) "Raffle" means one or more drawings using a single series of chances sold in chance books or similar devices, at which one or more prizes are awarded.

  (4) "Single-drawing raffle" means a raffle for which the drawings are held on a single day.

(b) At a gaming event, the holder of a raffle may award a prize of money or merchandise using a chance book.

(c)

  (1) A single-drawing raffle may have only one major prize.

  (2) During a year, an organization listed in Sec. 13-903 of this subtitle may hold not more than:

    (i) six single-drawing raffles in which the major prize is worth $2,500 or more; or

    (ii) ten single-drawing raffles in which the major prize is worth less than $2,500.

  (3) An organization listed in Sec. 13-903 of this subtitle may not hold:

    (i) more than 52 weekly drawings in a multi-drawing raffle; or

    (ii) more than two multi-drawing raffles during a year.

#### Section 13-905

(a)

  (1) Notwithstanding Sec. 13-903 of this subtitle, an organization listed in Sec. 13-903 of this subtitle that operates a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune game at a gaming event may not award a prize to a person in any one game or spin of the wheel of:

    (i) money that exceeds $10; or

    (ii) merchandise with a value that exceeds $250.

  (2) An organization listed in Sec. 13-903 of this subtitle may not hold more than 10 days of paddle-wheel games in a calendar year.

(b) An organization listed in Sec. 13-903 or Sec. 13-907 of this subtitle may award a prize of money or merchandise using a gaming device other than a card game, dice game, or roulette.

#### Section 13-905.1

(a) A senior center site council may conduct billiards in a senior center 5 days per week, excluding Sunday.

(b) A senior center site council may not award a prize of money to a winner exceeding $5 in each session.

(c)

  (1) A senior center site council may conduct a billiards tournament with a maximum entry fee of $2 for each participant.

  (2) Prizes of money may be awarded to first, second, and third place winners from the entry fee money collected.

  (3) All money that remains after prizes are awarded shall be distributed to the senior center site council.

#### Section 13-906

(a) Notwithstanding Sec. 13-903 of this subtitle and except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and Sec. 13-906.1 of this subtitle, a person may not conduct a card game, dice game, roulette, or casino event.

(b)

  (1) A senior center site council may conduct a card game in a senior center 5 days per week, excluding Sunday.

  (2) A senior center site council may not:

    (i) award a prize of money exceeding $5 to a winner in each session; and

    (ii) charge a participant more than $1 to play one session.

  (3) All money that remains after prizes are awarded shall be distributed to the senior center site council.

#### Section 13-906.1

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Casino event" includes the play of card games, dice games, and roulette.

  (3) "Permit" means a permit to conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

(b) Before an organization may conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the Board of County Commissioners for Carroll County.

(c) To qualify for a permit, an organization shall be a bona fide:

  (1) amateur athletic organization;

  (2) charitable organization;

  (3) civic organization;

  (4) fraternal organization;

  (5) hospital;

  (6) religious organization;

  (7) volunteer fire company; or

  (8) war veterans' organization.

(d)

  (1) A card game, card tournament, or casino event may be:

    (i) managed and operated by the organization that is the permit holder; or

    (ii) managed by the organization that is the permit holder and operated by another organization listed in subsection (c) of this section.

  (2)

    (i) An operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event may not receive compensation.

    (ii) To volunteer as an operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 18 years old.

    (iii) To participate in a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 21 years old.

(e)

  (1) An organization that is the permit holder may receive not more than four permits in a calendar year.

  (2) A card game, card tournament, or casino event may not last longer than 24 consecutive hours.

(f) A permit is not transferable.

(g)

  (1) Proceeds from a card game, card tournament, or casino event conducted under this section:

    (i) shall be used to benefit a charity or to further the purpose of the permit holder; and

    (ii) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, may not be used for the financial benefit or the personal use of an individual or a group of individuals.

  (2) On approval of the Board of County Commissioners for Carroll County, proceeds may be used to benefit a family with medical needs.

(h)

  (1) An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

  (2) Participants in a card game, card tournament, or casino event shall receive tokens for wagering in exchange for the entrance fee.

  (3) A participant may purchase additional tokens, at a total cost not exceeding 100% of the entrance fee, during a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

  (4) An organization that is the permit holder may not allow cash to be used for wagering.

(i) An organization that is the permit holder may not exchange tokens used in wagering for:

  (1) an item of merchandise that is worth more than $10,000;

  (2) money; or

  (3) an item of merchandise having a value that is different from the fair market retail value of the item of merchandise that was received for the tokens.

(j) Within 60 days after holding a card game, card tournament, or casino event, the organization that is the permit holder shall submit to the Board of County Commissioners for Carroll County:

  (1) a financial report that lists the receipts and expenditures for the card game, card tournament, or casino event; and

  (2) the name, address, and Social Security number of a participant that is declared the winner at a card game, card tournament, or casino event of a prize for which issuance of Internal Revenue Service Form W-2G or a substantially equivalent form is required.

(k) In addition to being subject to Sec. 13-909 of this subtitle, an organization that is found to have violated this section is ineligible to receive a permit under this section for a period of 5 years.

(l) The Board of County Commissioners for Carroll County may adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations to govern:

  (1) the issuing of permits;

  (2) permit fees; and

  (3) the conduct and management of a card game, card tournament, or casino event in a manner to prevent fraud and protect the public.

#### Section 13-907

(a) Before an organization may conduct bingo under this subtitle, the organization shall obtain a permit from the county commissioners.

(b)

  (1) In this subsection, "qualified organization" means a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) patriotic organization;

    (iv) educational organization;

    (v) charitable organization;

    (vi) volunteer fire company; or

    (vii) senior center site council.

  (2) A qualified organization may conduct bingo in the county to benefit charity or to further the purpose of the qualified organization.

(c)

  (1) A senior center site council may obtain a permit to conduct bingo in a senior center 5 days per week, excluding Sunday.

  (2) A senior center site council may not:

    (i) award a prize of money to a winner exceeding $50 in each session; or

    (ii) charge more than 5 cents for each bingo card.

  (3) All money that remains after prizes are awarded shall be distributed to the senior center site council.

(d)

  (1) An applicant for a permit shall pay the fee that the county commissioners set.

  (2) The county commissioners shall set the permit fee at a level sufficient to cover the costs of issuing the permit.

(e)

  (1) Only the holder of a permit issued under this section may conduct bingo authorized by the permit.

  (2) The holder of a permit issued under this section may not transfer or assign the right to conduct bingo to another person.

#### Section 13-908

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and Sec. 13-907(c)(2)(i) of this subtitle, a permit holder may not award a money prize greater than:

  (1) $100 to a player of a regular bingo game; or

  (2) $250 to a player of a special bingo game, such as a build-up or progressive pot game, split-the-pot game, or winner-take-all game.

(b) A permit holder may award a jackpot not exceeding $1,000 if the jackpot is directly connected with the playing of bingo.

#### Section 13-909

(a) A person may not knowingly operate or attempt to operate a gaming event in violation of this subtitle.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

### Subtitle 10. Cecil County

#### Section 13-1001

(a) In this subtitle the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Bingo" includes instant bingo.

(c) "Gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, raffle, or other game of entertainment.

(d) "Qualified organization" means:

  (1) a volunteer fire company; or

  (2) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) war veterans' organization; or

    (v) charitable organization.

#### Section 13-1002

This subtitle applies only in Cecil County.

#### Section 13-1003

A qualified organization may conduct bingo or a gaming event for the exclusive benefit of any qualified organization if an individual or group of individuals does not:

(1) benefit financially; or

(2) receive proceeds of the bingo or gaming event for personal use or benefit.

#### Section 13-1004

A qualified organization may award a prize of money or merchandise at bingo or a gaming event through a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, chance book, or bingo.

#### Section 13-1005

The bingo or gaming event shall be managed personally by members of the qualified organization conducting the event.

### Subtitle 11. Charles County

#### Section 13-1101

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "County Attorney" means the County Attorney for Charles County.

(c) "County commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Charles County.

(d) "Fundraising organization" means an incorporated or unincorporated bona fide:

  (1) religious organization;

  (2) fraternal organization;

  (3) civic organization;

  (4) war veterans' organization;

  (5) charitable organization;

  (6) volunteer fire company;

  (7) rescue squad; or

  (8) ambulance company.

(e)

  (1) "Gaming device" means a mechanism for playing a game of chance.

  (2) "Gaming device" includes a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, and chance book.

  (3) "Gaming device" does not include bingo, a slot machine, or other gaming device that is otherwise regulated by State law.

(f)

  (1) "Gaming event" means an event involving a game of chance.

  (2) "Gaming event" includes:

    (i) a carnival;

    (ii) a bazaar; and

    (iii) a raffle involving prizes of cash exceeding $1,000 or merchandise with a cash equivalent exceeding $1,000.

  (3) "Gaming event" does not include bingo.

(g) "Gaming permit" means a permit to operate a gaming device at a gaming event that the county commissioners issue under this subtitle.

(h) "Person" includes a joint interest held by two or more persons.

(i) "Representative" means a person who has been a bona fide member of a fundraising organization or educational organization for at least 1 year before the date of a gaming permit application by the fundraising organization or educational organization.

#### Section 13-1102

This subtitle applies to bingo and gaming events in Charles County.

#### Section 13-1103

The county commissioners may:

(1) designate the types of gaming devices that may be operated in the county;

(2) set fees for gaming permits issued under this subtitle;

(3) approve or deny gaming permit applications;

(4) investigate persons involved in gaming events and examine records of fundraising organizations with respect to gaming events;

(5) delegate its powers and duties under this subtitle to the County Attorney; and

(6) adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1104

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, a person may not conduct bingo or a gaming event in the county.

#### Section 13-1105

(a) A gaming event may be conducted only by a fundraising organization that has been located in the county for at least 5 years before applying for a gaming permit.

(b) A fundraising organization shall obtain a gaming permit for each gaming event that the fundraising organization conducts.

(c)

  (1) At least 30 days before the first day of the calendar quarter in which the gaming event is to be conducted, a fundraising organization seeking a gaming permit shall submit to the County Attorney an application and the application fee.

  (2) The application shall contain the following:

    (i) the name of the fundraising organization;

    (ii) a statement that the fundraising organization qualifies to conduct a gaming event under this subtitle;

    (iii) the dates, times, and location of the gaming event;

    (iv) the name, address, and telephone number of the representative responsible for the gaming event;

    (v) a roster of the current membership of the fundraising organization that includes names, ages, and addresses;

    (vi) a statement that:

      (1) an agreement does not exist for sharing the proceeds of the gaming event with any other person; and

      (2) no person other than the fundraising organization or its representative may receive any proceeds of the gaming event except to further the purposes of the fundraising organization; and

    (vii) any other information that the County Attorney considers necessary or helpful.

  (3) A principal officer of the fundraising organization shall sign and verify the application under the penalties of perjury.

(d) The county commissioners may set a reasonable application fee for a gaming permit.

(e)

  (1) The County Attorney shall:

    (i) review the gaming permit applications for a calendar quarter within 10 days after the application deadline set in subsection (c)(1) of this section;

    (ii) recommend approval or denial of each application; and

    (iii) promptly forward the applications and recommendations to the county commissioners.

  (2) The county commissioners shall:

    (i) review the applications and recommendations;

    (ii) approve or disapprove each application within 15 days after the application deadline set in subsection (c)(1) of this section;

    (iii) promptly notify each applicant of the county commissioners' action on the application; and

    (iv) issue a gaming permit for each approved application.

  (3) This section does not prevent the County Attorney or the county commissioners from reviewing gaming permit applications more frequently or earlier than required by this subsection.

#### Section 13-1106

The gaming permit shall include:

(1) the name of the fundraising organization;

(2) the nature of the approved gaming event;

(3) the dates, times, and location of the approved gaming event;

(4) the gaming devices to be operated at the gaming event; and

(5) the name of the representative responsible for the approved gaming event.

#### Section 13-1107

(a)

  (1) A gaming event may be conducted only in accordance with this subtitle.

  (2) A gaming device may only be managed or operated by a representative of the fundraising organization named in the gaming permit for the gaming event.

  (3) A professional gaming operator may not manage, operate, or assist in the management or operation of a gaming device.

  (4) A person may not receive any commission, salary, reward, tip, or other compensation for managing or operating a gaming device at a gaming event.

  (5) A minor may not participate in a gaming event.

  (6) A fundraising organization may lease gaming devices or premises for a gaming event only from a fundraising organization that the County Attorney approves.

  (7)

    (i) A lease agreement of gaming devices or premises for a gaming event shall be priced on the basis of fair market value of the equipment or premises.

    (ii) A lease agreement may not include a provision for sharing profit from a gaming event with a lessor or a provision that reasonably may be interpreted to provide for sharing profit from a gaming event.

  (8) A fundraising organization may not conduct more than three gaming events during a calendar quarter.

  (9)

    (i) A fundraising organization may not conduct a gaming event under a single gaming permit for a period greater than 48 hours.

    (ii) The actual gaming time may not exceed 24 hours in that 48-hour period, which may be divided into not more than two separate gaming periods.

    (iii) Notwithstanding subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, a fundraising organization that conducts a gaming event at the Charles County Fair in conjunction with the Charles County Fair Board may conduct the gaming event under a single gaming permit for more than 48 hours, subject to regulations that the county commissioners adopt on recommendation of the County Attorney.

(b)

  (1) A fundraising organization that has conducted a gaming event shall submit a report to the County Attorney within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the gaming event was conducted.

  (2) The report shall contain:

    (i) the name of the fundraising organization;

    (ii) the number of the gaming permit;

    (iii) the date of the gaming event;

    (iv) the date, amount, nature, source, and recipient of each receipt and expenditure associated with the gaming event, in the format that the County Attorney prescribes;

    (v) a separate list of the date, amount, and recipient of each charitable donation from the proceeds;

    (vi) the name, age, address, and date of membership of each representative who managed, operated, or assisted in the operation or management of a gaming device at the gaming event;

    (vii) a statement that each listed representative qualified as a representative under Sec. 13-1101(i) of this subtitle at the time of the gaming event;

    (viii) a statement that:

      (1) an agreement does not exist and has not existed for sharing the proceeds of a gaming event with any other person; and

      (2) only the fundraising organization or its representative has received or will receive any proceeds of the gaming event, except to further the purposes of the fundraising organization; and

    (ix) any other information that the County Attorney considers necessary or helpful.

  (3) A principal officer of the fundraising organization shall sign and verify the report under the penalties of perjury.

(c) A fundraising organization that conducts a gaming event shall maintain accurate records of each transaction concerning the gaming event, and shall keep the records available for examination by the County Attorney and the county commissioners for 3 years after the gaming event.

#### Section 13-1108

(a) A fundraising organization or educational organization may conduct bingo either for the benefit of charity in the county or to further the purposes of the organization.

(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a fundraising organization or educational organization may award money or merchandise as a prize in a bingo game.

(c)

  (1) A fundraising organization or educational organization may not award a money prize exceeding $5,000 to any player in a bingo game.

  (2) A fundraising organization or educational organization may not award more than $10,000 in total money prizes in a single day.

(d) A fundraising organization or educational organization may not conduct bingo at one location for more than 4 hours per day for:

  (1) 4 days in a 7-day period; or

  (2) 3 consecutive days.

#### Section 13-1109

A fundraising organization or educational organization may only allow its representatives to manage or operate bingo or gaming devices at its bingo or gaming event.

#### Section 13-1110

Proceeds of bingo or a gaming event may not:

(1) benefit a person other than the fundraising organization or educational organization that conducts the bingo or gaming event; or

(2) be shared with a person other than the fundraising organization or educational organization, except to further the purposes of the fundraising organization or educational organization.

#### Section 13-1111

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a fundraising organization or educational organization may donate part of the proceeds of bingo or a gaming event at the Charles County Fair to the Charles County Fair Board.

#### Section 13-1112

A person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

#### Section 13-1113

In addition to any other penalty, a person who violates this subtitle is ineligible to obtain a gaming permit for 3 years after the date of the violation.

#### Section 13-1114

This subtitle does not restrict the authority of the county commissioners to adopt regulations on amusements and entertainments under Chapter 4 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Charles County or other State law.

### Subtitle 12. Dorchester County

#### Section 13-1201

In this subtitle, "gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, or raffle.

#### Section 13-1202

(a) This subtitle applies only in Dorchester County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Dorchester County.

#### Section 13-1203

(a) A person must have a license for each day that the person conducts bingo unless the bingo is conducted in a licensed gaming event.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle or Subtitle 2 of this title, in addition to bingo conducted in connection with a gaming event under Subtitle 2 of this title, the clerk of the circuit court of the county may issue a license to conduct bingo.

(c) To qualify for a license to conduct bingo, an applicant shall be a:

  (1) 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) tax-supported volunteer fire company or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with the fire company;

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

  (4) nonprofit organization that:

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

    (ii) has operated in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a license.

(d) An application for a license to conduct bingo shall contain a certification, by a principal officer of the applicant, stating:

  (1) the time and place of the activities for which the license is sought;

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

  (3) that no compensation or reward will be paid to any person for conducting or assisting in the conducting of the bingo.

#### Section 13-1204

An individual under the age of 16 years may not be allowed to play, conduct, or operate bingo.

#### Section 13-1205

This subtitle does not authorize the use of a slot machine or coin machine for gambling purposes.

#### Section 13-1206

The bailiffs, municipal police officers, prosecuting officials, and other peace officers of the county shall enforce this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1207

(a) The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall collect $5 for a license for a raffle or carnival.

(b) The clerk of the circuit court shall collect $25 from an applicant for an annual bingo license to conduct bingo and $1 for issuance of the license.

(c)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a 1-day bingo license is required for each day a bingo game is conducted.

  (2) The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall collect $1 for a 1-day bingo license.

  (3) A 1-day bingo license is not required for bingo conducted at a licensed carnival or under an annual bingo license.

### Subtitle 13. Frederick County

#### Section 13-1301

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Gaming event" includes:

  (1) a bazaar;

  (2) a carnival;

  (3) a raffle;

  (4) a tip jar; and

  (5) a punchboard.

(c) "Tip jar" includes an electronic tip jar dispenser that does not connect to the Internet or to a server.

#### Section 13-1302

This subtitle applies only in Frederick County.

#### Section 13-1303

(a) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Frederick County.

(b) A gaming event under Subtitle 2 of this title is subject to the requirements of this subtitle.

(c) In addition to the qualified organizations listed in Subtitle 2 of this title, the following organizations and their auxiliaries may conduct activities governed by that subtitle:

  (1) a volunteer fire company;

  (2) a volunteer rescue company; and

  (3) a volunteer ambulance company.

(d) Subtitle 2 of this title also regulates any gaming device, including a:

  (1) chance book;

  (2) tip jar;

  (3) paddle wheel; and

  (4) wheel of fortune.

#### Section 13-1304

(a) Before an organization listed in subsection (b) of this section may conduct a gaming event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the county Department of Permits and Inspections.

(b) An organization may conduct a gaming event for its own benefit if the organization is:

  (1) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) war veterans' organization;

    (v) hospital;

    (vi) amateur athletic organization;

    (vii) patriotic organization;

    (viii) educational organization; or

    (ix) charitable organization;

  (2) a Frederick County volunteer:

    (i) fire company;

    (ii) rescue company; or

    (iii) ambulance company; or

  (3) an auxiliary for a Frederick County volunteer:

    (i) fire company;

    (ii) rescue company; or

    (iii) ambulance company.

(c)

  (1) Before the county Department of Permits and Inspections may issue a gaming permit, the county Department of Permits and Inspections shall determine whether the organization applying for the gaming permit meets the requirements of this section.

  (2) An application and the action that the county Department of Permits and Inspections takes on the application are public records.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) A gaming permit is valid for 1 year after the date that it is issued.

    (ii) A gaming permit may not be transferred.

  (2) Frederick County may charge a permit fee.

(e)

  (1) Only members of an organization that holds a gaming permit may conduct the gaming event.

  (2) Except as allowed under Sec. 13-1305 of this subtitle, an individual may not benefit financially from a gaming event.

  (3) A gaming permit authorizes a gaming event to be conducted on a Sunday during the hours of sale for the alcoholic beverages sold at the establishment where the gaming event is conducted.

(f)

  (1) The holder of a gaming permit may award:

    (i) prizes to individuals at a gaming event; and

    (ii) only one major prize at each gaming event.

  (2) During each calendar year, the holder of a gaming event, including a raffle for which the prize drawings are held on a single day, may not hold or receive the proceeds from more than four gaming events in which the major prize has a value of more than $5,000.

  (3) During each calendar year, the holder of a gaming event may hold one raffle in which prize drawings are held on more than a single day if the major prize has a value of $5,000 or less.

  (4) Frederick County may regulate the number of permits to conduct a raffle that an organization may receive in 1 calendar year.

(g) Frederick County may adopt regulations to carry out this section and Sec.Sec. 13-1305 and 13-1307 of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1304.1

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Casino event" includes the play of card games, dice games, and roulette.

  (3) "Permit" means a permit to conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

(b) Before an organization may conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the County Department of Permits and Inspections.

(c) To qualify for a permit, an organization shall be a bona fide:

  (1) amateur athletic organization;

  (2) charitable organization;

  (3) civic organization;

  (4) fraternal organization;

  (5) hospital;

  (6) religious organization;

  (7) volunteer fire company; or

  (8) war veterans' organization.

(d)

  (1) A card game, card tournament, or casino event may be:

    (i) managed and operated by the organization that is the permit holder; or

    (ii) managed by the organization that is the permit holder and operated by another organization listed in subsection (c) of this section.

  (2)

    (i) An operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event may not receive compensation.

    (ii) To volunteer as an operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 18 years old.

    (iii) To participate in a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 21 years old.

(e)

  (1) An organization that is the permit holder may receive not more than four permits in a calendar year.

  (2) A card game, card tournament, or casino event may not last longer than 24 consecutive hours.

(f) A permit is not transferable.

(g)

  (1) Proceeds from a card game, card tournament, or casino event conducted under this section:

    (i) shall be used to benefit a charity or to further the purpose of the permit holder; and

    (ii) except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, may not be used for the financial benefit or personal use of an individual or a group of individuals.

  (2) On approval of the County Executive or designee of the County Executive, proceeds may be used to benefit a family with medical needs.

(h) A permit may not authorize the operation of a card game, card tournament, or casino event after 1 a.m. on Sunday.

(i)

  (1) An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

  (2) Participants in a card game, card tournament, or casino event shall receive tokens for wagering in exchange for the entrance fee.

  (3) A participant may purchase additional tokens, at a total cost not exceeding 100% of the entrance fee, during a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

  (4) An organization that is the permit holder may not allow cash to be used for wagering.

(j) An organization that is the permit holder may not exchange tokens used for wagering for:

  (1) an item of merchandise that is worth more than $10,000;

  (2) money; or

  (3) an item of merchandise having a value that is different from the fair market retail value of the item of merchandise that was received for the tokens.

(k) Within 60 days after holding a card game, card tournament, or casino event, the organization that is the permit holder shall submit to the County Department of Permits and Inspections:

  (1) a financial report that lists the receipts and expenditures for the card game, card tournament, or casino event; and

  (2) the name, address, and Social Security number of a participant that is declared the winner at a card game, card tournament, or casino event of a prize for which the issuance of Internal Revenue Service Form W-2G or a substantially equivalent form is required.

(l) An organization that is found to have violated this section is ineligible to receive a permit under this section for a period of 5 years.

(m) The County Executive may adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations to govern:

  (1) the issuing of permits; and

  (2) the conduct and management of a card game, card tournament, or casino event in a manner to prevent fraud and protect the public.

(n) The County Council may adopt regulations to govern permit fees under this section.

#### Section 13-1305

(a)

  (1) To operate a tip jar or punchboard in the county, an establishment or proprietor must be licensed to serve food and alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.

  (2) The operator of a tip jar shall display conspicuously a gaming permit issued to the beneficiary of the tip jar under Sec. 13-1304 of this subtitle.

  (3) The operator of a punchboard shall display within the establishment a gaming permit issued to the beneficiary of the punchboard under Sec. 13-1304 of this subtitle.

(b)

  (1) A person may operate a tip jar or punchboard in the county only for the benefit of one of the following organizations located in the county:

    (i) a bona fide:

      (1) religious organization;

      (2) fraternal organization;

      (3) civic organization;

      (4) war veterans' organization;

      (5) hospital;

      (6) amateur athletic organization;

      (7) patriotic organization;

      (8) charitable organization; or

      (9) educational organization;

    (ii) a Frederick County volunteer:

      (1) fire company;

      (2) rescue company; or

      (3) ambulance company; or

    (iii) an auxiliary of a Frederick County volunteer:

      (1) fire company;

      (2) rescue company; or

      (3) ambulance company.

  (2) The beneficiary of a tip jar may not hold more than three permits to operate tip jars or punchboards outside of the beneficiary's premises.

(c)

  (1) The beneficiary of a tip jar or punchboard must receive at least 70% of the gross proceeds of the tip jar or punchboard after paying winning players and reimbursing the operator for operating expenses.

  (2) For each tip jar or punchboard operated, the operator shall submit to the county agency that issued the gaming permit monthly reports detailing:

    (i) gross proceeds;

    (ii) prizes;

    (iii) expenses; and

    (iv) the amount paid to the beneficiary.

(d) The tip jar or punchboard shall be purchased from a distributor that:

  (1) has an office in the State;

  (2) is licensed by the county Department of Permits and Inspections; and

  (3) keeps the records that Frederick County requires.

(e) A person who keeps records about tip jars or punchboards shall make those records available for inspection and copying by a law enforcement unit or by the county Department of Permits and Inspections.

#### Section 13-1306

(a) A person authorized to conduct bingo under this subtitle shall obtain a bingo permit from the county Department of Permits and Inspections.

(b) Any of the following organizations, if a legal resident of the county, may conduct bingo to benefit charity in the county or to further the purposes of one of the following organizations:

  (1) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) patriotic organization;

    (iv) educational organization;

    (v) civic organization;

    (vi) war veterans' organization;

    (vii) hospital;

    (viii) amateur athletic organization; or

    (ix) charitable organization;

  (2) a volunteer:

    (i) fire company;

    (ii) rescue company; or

    (iii) ambulance company; or

  (3) an auxiliary for a volunteer:

    (i) fire company;

    (ii) rescue company; or

    (iii) ambulance company.

(c)

  (1) A person who is not a legal resident of Frederick County may not conduct bingo.

  (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this subsection, each year the Frederick County Agricultural Association may sell or lease a right or concession to any person to conduct bingo at the Frederick County Fair.

(d)

  (1) To qualify for a bingo permit, a person shall meet the requirements set by Frederick County.

  (2) The county may require an applicant for a bingo permit to pay a permit fee set by the county.

(e) A person who conducts bingo may not offer or award:

  (1) a prize or award with a fair market value exceeding $5,000; or

  (2) a money prize exceeding $5,000.

(f) Frederick County may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

#### Section 13-1307

(a) A person may not knowingly violate Sec. 13-1304 or Sec. 13-1305 of this subtitle.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

### Subtitle 14. Garrett County

#### Section 13-1401

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "County Commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Garrett County.

(c)

  (1) "Gaming device" means:

    (i) except for a billiard table, a gaming table at which a game of chance is played for money or any other thing or consideration of value; or

    (ii) a game or device at which money or any other thing or consideration of value is bet, wagered, or gambled.

  (2) "Gaming device" includes a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, and chance book.

(d) "Gaming event" includes a bazaar, carnival, raffle, tip jar, punchboard, and any other event at which a gaming device is operated.

#### Section 13-1402

(a) This subtitle applies only in Garrett County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Garrett County.

#### Section 13-1403

(a) Before an organization listed in subsection (b) of this section may conduct a gaming event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the county agency that the County Commissioners designate.

(b) An organization may conduct a gaming event for its own benefit if the organization is:

  (1) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) war veterans' organization;

    (v) hospital;

    (vi) amateur athletic organization;

    (vii) patriotic organization;

    (viii) educational organization; or

    (ix) charitable organization;

  (2) a county volunteer fire department or rescue squad; or

  (3) an auxiliary for a county volunteer fire department or rescue squad.

(c)

  (1) Before the county agency may issue a gaming permit, the county agency shall determine whether the organization applying for the gaming permit meets the requirements of this section.

  (2) An application and the action that the county agency takes on the application are public records.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) A gaming permit is valid for 1 year after the date that it is issued.

    (ii) A gaming permit may not be transferred.

  (2) The County Commissioners may charge a permit fee.

(e)

  (1) Only members of an organization that holds a gaming permit may conduct a gaming event.

  (2) Except as allowed under Sec. 13-1405 of this subtitle, an individual may not benefit financially from a gaming event.

  (3) A gaming permit may not authorize a gaming event to be conducted on a Sunday before 1 p.m.

(f) The holder of a gaming permit may award:

  (1) prizes to individuals at a gaming event; and

  (2) only one major prize at each gaming event.

#### Section 13-1404

(a)

  (1) In this section, "paper gaming" means a game of chance in which:

    (i) prizes are awarded; and

    (ii) the devices used to play the game are constructed out of paper or cardboard.

  (2) "Paper gaming" includes tip jar and punchboard gaming.

  (3) "Paper gaming" does not include bingo.

(b)

  (1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, a person that is a for profit business or an organization listed under Sec. 13-1403(b) of this subtitle may engage in paper gaming if the person obtains a paper gaming license that is issued by the County Commissioners.

  (2) If the person is a for profit business, the person:

    (i) shall also hold a Class A, B, C, or D retail alcoholic beverages license; and

    (ii) may engage in paper gaming only on the premises of the for profit business.

  (3) Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, an organization may engage in paper gaming if the organization:

    (i) is listed under Sec. 13-1403(b) of this subtitle and does not have an alcoholic beverages license; or

    (ii) is a county volunteer fire department or rescue squad and has an alcoholic beverages license.

  (4) An organization under paragraph (3) of this subsection may engage in paper gaming only on its premises.

(c) A person may sell paper gaming devices to a paper gaming licensee if the person obtains a wholesale vendor's license issued by the County Commissioners.

(d) The County Commissioners shall set annual fees for a paper gaming license and a wholesale vendor's license.

(e) Not later than the fifteenth of each month, wholesale vendor licensees shall provide to the County Commissioners a list for the previous month of all customers to whom they sold paper gaming products and the total number of products sold to each customer.

(f) A paper gaming licensee may not have on its premises a paper gaming device that does not display a gaming sticker issued by the county.

(g) The County Commissioners shall ensure that each licensee who conducts paper gaming under a paper gaming license sells to the public the same serial-numbered paper gaming devices that are listed on the bill of sale from the wholesale vendor licensee.

(h) The County Commissioners may impose the following paper gaming taxes:

  (1) on licensees that are qualified organizations, 10% of gross profits minus the costs of paper gaming products; and

  (2) on licensees that are for profit businesses, 40% of gross profits minus the costs of paper gaming products.

(i)

  (1) In this subsection, "Fund" means the Special Gaming Fund.

  (2) The County Commissioners shall establish a Special Gaming Fund.

  (3) The Fund is a special continuing, nonlapsing fund.

  (4) The Fund shall be used only to benefit fire and rescue services.

  (5)

    (i) The Fund consists of:

      (1) revenue derived from the taxation of gross profits from tip jar sales; and

      (2) subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, money received from other sources.

    (ii) Money from the General Fund of the State or the county, including any federal money, may not be transferred by budget amendment or otherwise to the Fund.

  (6) The Fund shall be invested and reinvested in the same manner as other county funds.

  (7) Annually the County Commissioners shall:

    (i) pay from the Fund all administrative costs of carrying out this section, including the hiring of additional necessary personnel; and

    (ii) allocate the remaining money in the Fund to fire and rescue services.

(j) The County Commissioners may adopt rules and regulations to administer and enforce this section.

(k) The County Commissioners may:

  (1) hire or designate one or more inspectors; and

  (2) authorize each inspector to enter the premises of a licensee to ensure compliance with this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section.

(l) The County Commissioners may adopt an ordinance or resolution declaring that:

  (1) a violation of this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both; and

  (2) each day that a violation continues is a separate offense.

(m) After a hearing, if the County Commissioners or a designee of the Board finds that a paper gaming licensee, a wholesale vendor licensee, or an agent of a licensee has violated this section or a rule or regulation adopted under this section, the Board may suspend or revoke the license in addition to any fine or penalty imposed under this subsection.

#### Section 13-1405

(a) A person authorized to conduct bingo under subsection (b) of this section shall obtain a bingo permit from the county agency designated by the County Commissioners to issue a bingo permit.

(b) An organization may conduct bingo for its own benefit or to benefit charity in the county if the organization is a legal resident of the county and is:

  (1) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) war veterans' organization;

    (v) hospital;

    (vi) amateur athletic organization;

    (vii) patriotic organization;

    (viii) educational organization; or

    (ix) charitable organization;

  (2) a county volunteer fire department or rescue squad; or

  (3) an auxiliary for a county volunteer fire department or rescue squad.

(c) A person who is not a legal resident of the county may not conduct bingo.

(d) To qualify for a bingo permit, a person shall meet the requirements set by the county.

(e) Only members of an organization listed under subsection (b) of this section may conduct and operate bingo games.

#### Section 13-1406

The County Commissioners may adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle, including age restrictions for participants in any activity involving a gaming event or bingo.

### Subtitle 15. Harford County

#### Section 13-1501

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Bingo":

  (1) includes instant bingo; but

  (2) does not include members-only instant bingo.

(c) "50/50" means a drawing from a finite number of chances in which the proceeds from the sale of chances are split evenly between the winner and the organization conducting the game.

(d) "Gaming event" means bingo, members-only instant bingo, a raffle, or a paddle wheel.

(e) "Members-only instant bingo" means an instant bingo game that is limited to members and guests of an organization listed in Sec. 13-1503(b) of this subtitle.

(f) "Sheriff" means the Sheriff of Harford County.

#### Section 13-1502

(a) This subtitle applies only in Harford County.

(b) This subtitle does not authorize the use of a slot machine or any type of coin machine for gambling purposes.

#### Section 13-1503

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

(b) 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) 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 Sec. 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) 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) 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.

#### Section 13-1504

(a)

  (1) The sheriff may not issue to a single organization in 1 calendar year more than 52 bingo licenses.

  (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, not more than one bingo license may be issued to a single organization in a single calendar week.

  (3) A license to conduct bingo is valid:

    (i) for 24 consecutive hours; or

    (ii) if the license is issued for use in conjunction with and at a carnival, during carnival hours, and for the shorter of the duration of the carnival or 14 consecutive days.

(b) A money prize for a bingo game may not exceed:

  (1) $500; or

  (2) $1,000 for a jackpot.

(c) An instant bingo game may be sold and played only at the location listed on the license.

(d) A minor may not sell or play instant bingo.

(e) A license to operate a paddle wheel shall also operate as a license to conduct bingo, if authorized by the sheriff on request.

#### Section 13-1505

(a) A members-only instant bingo license is valid for 3 months.

(b) The sheriff may not issue to a single organization in 1 calendar year more than four licenses for members-only instant bingo.

(c) A money prize for a members-only instant bingo game may not exceed $500.

(d) A members-only instant bingo game may be sold and played only at the location listed on the license.

#### Section 13-1506

(a)

  (1) The sheriff may not issue to a single organization in 1 calendar year more than 12 raffle licenses, no more than one of which may be for a raffle with a money prize exceeding $1,000.

  (2) All raffle drawings shall be conducted in 1 calendar day.

  (3) A raffle license is valid until all raffles are drawn.

  (4) A raffle license shall state the day for the drawing or drawings.

(b) A money prize for a raffle may not exceed:

  (1) $10,000 if the sponsoring organization has not held a raffle for a money prize exceeding $1,000 in the current calendar year; or

  (2) $1,000 if the sponsoring organization has held a raffle for a money prize exceeding $1,000 in the current calendar year.

(c) An organization that intends to conduct a raffle for a money prize exceeding $1,000 shall:

  (1) post a bond in the amount of the money prize; or

  (2) obtain an irrevocable letter of credit from a bank in the amount of the money prize.

#### Section 13-1507

(a)

  (1) The sheriff may not issue to a single organization in 1 calendar year more than 12 licenses for paddle wheels.

  (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, not more than one paddle wheel license or bingo license may be issued to a single organization in a single calendar week.

  (3) A license to operate paddle wheels is valid:

    (i) for 24 consecutive hours; or

    (ii) if the license is issued for use in conjunction with and at a carnival, during carnival hours, and for the shorter of the duration of the carnival or 14 consecutive days.

(b) A money prize for a paddle wheel game may not exceed $10.

(c) A license to operate a paddle wheel shall also operate as a license to conduct bingo, if authorized by the sheriff on request.

#### Section 13-1508

(a) An organization listed in Sec. 13-1503(b) of this subtitle may conduct a game of 50/50:

  (1) without a 50/50 license,  at a meeting of the organization; or

  (2) with a 50/50 license, at an event other than a meeting of the organization.

(b) A money prize for a game of 50/50 may not exceed $500.

(c) A minor may not participate in a game of 50/50.

#### Section 13-1508.1

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a political committee, as defined in Sec. 1-101 of the Election Law Article, may conduct a fundraiser at which prizes of money or merchandise are awarded in a gaming event or 50/50.

(b) A political committee may award a money or merchandise prize under this section if the prize does not exceed the amount otherwise allowed for a prize in the county.

#### Section 13-1509

Within 15 days after the last day of licensed activity named in the license application, one of the principal officers of the organization shall file a report under the penalties of perjury certifying:

(1) that the activities authorized by the license were conducted at the time and place stated in the application solely by the regular members of the organization without the assistance of gaming professionals, and that the members conducting the activities do not regularly conduct gaming activities for any other organization;

(2) that money prizes were not offered, except as authorized under this subtitle; and

(3) the amount and disposition of the cash proceeds of the activities authorized by the license.

#### Section 13-1510

(a) An organization may not conduct a gaming event unless the organization has acquired the appropriate license.

(b) An organization shall obey the terms of a license.

(c) Each person who signed an application for a license shall obey the terms of the license.

(d) A person shall file the report required under Sec. 13-1509 of this subtitle.

(e) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 30 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(f) Each day that a gaming event is operated without a license or in violation of any of the terms of the license is a separate violation.

#### Section 13-1511

(a) An organization that fails to file a report required by Sec. 13-1509 of this subtitle is not entitled to a license under this subtitle until the later of:

  (1) 1 year after the date the report is due; or

  (2) the day the report is filed properly.

(b) An organization that is convicted of violating a gambling law of this State may not be issued a license under this subtitle until 1 month after the date of conviction.

#### Section 13-1512

(a) In this section, "gaming contest" means an event that involves a card game, a dice game, or roulette.

(b) An organization shall be issued a permit from the Sheriff of Harford County before the organization may conduct a gaming contest in Harford County.

(c) An organization is eligible to be issued a permit if the organization qualifies as a nonprofit organization under Sec. 501(c)(3) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code and has been located in the county for at least 3 years before applying for the permit.

(d) To be issued a permit, an organization shall:

  (1) submit an application to the sheriff on a form that the sheriff requires;

  (2) state on the application form the purpose for which the proceeds of the gaming contest will be used; and

  (3) pay the permit fee that the sheriff determines.

(e)

  (1)

    (i) A holder of a permit may not conduct more than four gaming contests in a calendar year.

    (ii) A permit is not transferable.

  (2) A gaming contest may be held only:

    (i) between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. the following day; and

    (ii) in a structure or at a location that is owned, rented, or leased by the holder of the permit.

  (3) A separate permit is required for each gaming contest.

  (4)

    (i) Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, bingo, instant bingo, a raffle, a paddle wheel, or a 50/50 raffle may be included in the games conducted at a gaming contest.

    (ii) A gaming contest may not consist exclusively of a game specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph.

(f)

  (1) An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a gaming contest.

  (2) Participants in a gaming contest shall receive tokens for wagering in exchange for the entrance fee.

  (3) A participant may purchase additional tokens, at a total cost not exceeding 100% of the entrance fee, during a gaming contest.

  (4) An organization that is the permit holder may not allow cash to be used for wagering.

  (5) A holder of a permit may serve or sell alcoholic beverages at a gaming contest only if the holder is issued the proper license by the Harford County Liquor Control Board.

(g) An organization that is the permit holder may not exchange tokens used for wagering for:

  (1) an item of merchandise that is worth more than $10,000;

  (2) money; or

  (3) an item of merchandise having a value that is different from the fair market retail value of the item of merchandise that was received for the tokens.

(h) An organization may rent or purchase necessary equipment and supplies to conduct a gaming contest but may not enter into a lease or other agreement to share profits from the gaming contest.

(i)

  (1) A gaming contest shall be managed and operated personally by members of the organization conducting the gaming contest.

  (2) A member of the organization may not receive or be paid any of the proceeds from the gaming contest for personal use or benefit.

  (3) A person may not receive a salary, a commission, or compensation of any kind for managing the gaming contest or operating a game played in the gaming contest.

  (4) A person other than the holder of the permit may not receive or be paid any proceeds.

  (5) To volunteer as an operator of a gaming contest, an individual shall be at least 18 years old.

  (6) To participate in a gaming contest, an individual shall be at least 21 years old.

(j) After costs incurred in conducting a gaming contest are deducted, proceeds from a gaming contest shall be used to benefit a charity or to further the purpose of the organization.

(k)

  (1) Within 30 days after a gaming contest, the holder of the permit shall submit to the sheriff a financial report that lists all of the receipts and expenditures for the gaming contest.

  (2) The report shall contain a full accounting of the proceeds and expenses of the gaming contest and the name, address, and Social Security number of a participant that is declared the winner of a gaming contest requiring the issuance of Internal Revenue Service Form W-2G or a substantially equivalent form.

  (3) The sheriff or the Office of the Harford County State's Attorney may require the holder of the permit to produce all financial records of the gaming contest.

  (4) The holder of the permit shall keep all financial records of the gaming contest for at least 2 years after the gaming contest.

  (5) The sheriff may refuse to issue a permit to an applicant who has failed to file a required report from a previous gaming contest or is late in filing federal or State tax returns.

  (6) If requested by the sheriff, the holder of the permit shall pay all financial audit costs.

(l) The sheriff shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.

(m) An organization that is found to have violated this section is ineligible to receive a permit under this section for a period of 5 years.

#### Section 13-1513

The sheriff, other peace officers of the county, and municipal police in the county shall enforce this subtitle.

### Subtitle 16. Howard County

#### Section 13-1601

(a) This subtitle applies only in Howard County.

(b)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Howard County.

  (2) Subtitle 2 of this title does not apply to bingo regulated under Sec. 13-1602 of this subtitle or a casino event regulated under Sec. 13-1602.1 of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1602

(a) Any of the following organizations may conduct bingo to benefit charity in the county or to further the purposes of the organization:

  (1) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) patriotic organization;

    (iv) educational organization; or

    (v) charitable organization; or

  (2) a volunteer fire company.

(b) A person who is not a legal resident of the county may not conduct bingo in the county, even if the game is for the benefit of an organization listed in subsection (a) of this section.

#### Section 13-1602.1

(a) In this section, "Department" means the Howard County Department of Inspections, Licenses, and Permits.

(b)

  (1) Before an organization listed in subsection (d) of this section may operate a casino event, the organization shall obtain a permit from the Department.

  (2)

    (i) On the recommendation of the Department, the County Executive shall forward to the County Council a recommendation for the fee to be charged for a permit under this section.

    (ii) The County Council shall adopt by resolution the amount of the permit fee.

(c) Subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section, an organization may conduct:

  (1) one casino event that includes a card game during each calendar month; and

  (2) one casino event that includes roulette during each calendar year.

(d) To conduct a casino event under subsection (c) of this section, an organization shall be:

  (1) a bona fide volunteer fire company; or

  (2) a bona fide war veterans' organization.

(e)

  (1) A permit holder for a casino event that includes a card game or roulette shall ensure that:

    (i) an individual or group of individuals does not benefit financially from the holding of the casino event;

    (ii) an individual or group of individuals does not receive any of the proceeds of the casino event for personal use or benefit;

    (iii) the casino event is managed personally by the members of the permit holder;

    (iv) a parent, a subsidiary, or an affiliate of the organization sponsoring the event has not sponsored a casino event within the calendar month or calendar year, as appropriate; and

    (v) the casino event is conducted between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m.

  (2)

    (i) An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a casino event.

    (ii) Participants in a casino event shall receive tokens for wagering in exchange for the entrance fee.

    (iii) A participant may purchase additional tokens, at a total cost not exceeding 100% of the entrance fee, during a casino event.

    (iv) An organization that is the permit holder may not allow cash to be used for wagering.

  (3) A person that holds a casino event that includes a card game or roulette may not:

    (i) offer or award cumulative prizes that have a fair market value in excess of $5,000 at the event;

    (ii) allow a player to bet more than $10 in tokens in any one game within the calendar month or calendar year, as appropriate;

    (iii) exchange tokens used in wagering for an item of merchandise that is worth more than $1,000; or

    (iv) exchange merchandise that was received for tokens that were used in wagering for an item of merchandise having a value that is different from the fair retail market value of the item of merchandise that was received for the tokens.

  (4)

    (i) To volunteer as an operator at a casino event, an individual shall be at least 18 years old.

    (ii) To participate in a casino event, an individual shall be at least 21 years old.

  (5)

    (i) Within 60 days after holding a casino event that includes a card game or roulette, the holder of the permit for the event shall submit to the Department:

      (1) a financial report that lists the receipts and expenditures for the casino event; and

      (2) the name, address, and Social Security number of a participant that is declared the winner at a casino event of a prize for which the issuance of Internal Revenue Service Form W-2G or a substantially equivalent form is required.

    (ii) Before the permit holder submits the report to the Department, the permit holder shall submit the report to the county police department for review.

(f)

  (1) The Department shall adopt regulations to govern:

    (i) the issuance of a permit to conduct a casino event; and

    (ii) the conduct and management of a casino event in a manner designed to prevent fraud and to protect the public.

  (2) The regulations shall require that a separate permit be issued for each casino event to be conducted.

#### Section 13-1603

A qualified organization under Subtitle 2 of this title may award prizes in money or merchandise using:

(1) a paddle wheel;

(2) a wheel of fortune;

(3) a chance book;

(4) bingo; or

(5) any other gaming device other than:

  (i) a card game or roulette, except as provided in Sec. 13-1602.1 of this subtitle; or

  (ii) a dice game.

#### Section 13-1604

Notwithstanding Subtitle 2 of this title and except as provided in Sec. 13-1602.1 of this subtitle, a person may not conduct a casino night or operate any of the following gaming devices:

(1) a card game;

(2) a dice game; or

(3) roulette.

### Subtitle 17. Kent County

#### Section 13-1701

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "County commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Kent County.

(c) "Permit" means:

  (1) a multiple gaming device permit issued under Sec. 13-1703 of this subtitle; or

  (2) a raffle permit issued under Sec. 13-1704 of this subtitle.

(d) "Raffle" means a lottery in which a prize is won by a person who buys a paper chance.

#### Section 13-1702

(a) This subtitle applies only in Kent County.

(b) This subtitle does not authorize gambling using a slot machine or coin machine.

#### Section 13-1703

(a) The county commissioners may issue a permit to an organization specified in subsection (c) of this section to use two or more of the following gaming devices in conducting a fundraiser at which a prize of merchandise or money may be awarded:

  (1) a paddle wheel;

  (2) a wheel of fortune;

  (3) a chance book;

  (4) a card game;

  (5) a raffle; or

  (6) any other gaming device.

(b) Unless conducted at an event requiring a permit under subsection (a) of this section, a raffle is not a multiple gaming device regulated under this section.

(c)

  (1) In this subsection, "charity" means an organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

  (2) The county commissioners may issue a permit to use multiple gaming devices to:

    (i) 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;

    (ii) a county-supported or municipally supported volunteer fire company or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with the volunteer fire company or auxiliary unit;

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

    (iv) for the purpose of conducting a fundraiser for the benefit of a charity located in the county, a bona fide:

      (1) fraternal organization;

      (2) educational organization;

      (3) civic organization;

      (4) patriotic organization; or

      (5) charitable organization; or

    (v) a bona fide nonprofit organization that:

      (1) has operated on a nonprofit basis in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a permit; and

      (2) intends to use the multiple gaming devices to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose specifically described in the permit application.

(d) Before issuing a permit, the county commissioners shall determine that the organization seeking the permit:

  (1) is organized in and serves the residents of the county; and

  (2) meets the conditions of this subtitle.

(e)

  (1)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a permit is valid for one event that does not last longer than 6 hours.

    (ii) The county commissioners may issue a permit for an event longer than 6 hours if the permit holder does not seek more than one permit in the same year.

  (2) The county commissioners may not approve a permit for gaming events to be held on premises that are licensed under a Class B or Class D alcoholic beverages license.

  (3) The county commissioners may not issue more than six permits to an organization in a single year.

  (4) The county commissioners may:

    (i) charge a fee set by resolution for each permit;

    (ii) set the number of permits that may be issued each year; and

    (iii) adopt regulations governing permit applications and the issuance of permits.

(f)

  (1) An organization that is issued a permit shall conduct its fundraiser in a:

    (i) structure that the organization owns, leases, or occupies;

    (ii) structure that any organization that would qualify for a permit owns, leases, or occupies; or

    (iii) public location that is:

      (1) described in the permit application; and

      (2) approved by the State's Attorney for the county.

  (2)

    (i) Unless the county commissioners grant a waiver, only a resident of the county may manage and operate a fundraiser for which a permit is issued on behalf of the permit holder.

    (ii) Each permit holder shall designate an individual to be responsible for compliance with the terms and conditions of this subtitle and a permit issued under this subtitle.

    (iii) A person may not be compensated for operating the gaming activity conducted under a permit.

(g)

  (1) The permit holder shall use at least one-half of the funds raised using the permit for civic, charitable, or educational purposes.

  (2) Within 30 days after a fundraiser, the permit holder shall send to the county commissioners:

    (i) an accounting of all funds received or pledged;

    (ii) an accounting of all expenses paid or incurred; and

    (iii) a statement under oath of the application of the net profits.

(h) The county commissioners may deny a permit for not more than 3 years to an organization that violates this subtitle or regulations adopted under this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1704

(a) The county commissioners may issue a raffle permit to an organization that qualifies for a permit under this subtitle or under regulations that the county commissioners adopt.

(b) The holder of a raffle permit must award the last prize in the raffle within 1 year after the date that the permit for the raffle is issued.

(c) The county commissioners may regulate the number of raffle permits that an organization may be issued in 1 year.

#### Section 13-1705

To benefit charity in the county or to further the purposes of an organization qualified to conduct bingo under this section, an organization may conduct bingo if the organization is a bona fide:

(1) religious organization;

(2) fraternal organization;

(3) war veterans' organization;

(4) charitable organization; or

(5) volunteer fire company operating in a community that does not have a paid fire department.

#### Section 13-1706

(a) A person who violates a provision of Sec.Sec. 13-1702 through 13-1704 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(b) Each day that a person is in violation under this section is a separate violation.

### Subtitle 18. Montgomery County

#### Section 13-1801

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Breakout ticket" includes instant bingo, Nevada club, lucky seven, and similar games.

(c)

  (1) "Qualified organization" means a bona fide nonprofit organization qualified under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3), (4), (7), or (10).

  (2) "Qualified organization" includes:

    (i) a religious organization;

    (ii) a volunteer fire company;

    (iii) a volunteer rescue squad;

    (iv) a fraternal organization;

    (v) a patriotic organization;

    (vi) an educational organization; and

    (vii) a charitable organization.

#### Section 13-1802

This subtitle applies only in Montgomery County.

#### Section 13-1803

(a)

  (1) A qualified organization may conduct bingo in the county to benefit charity or to further the purpose of the qualified organization.

  (2) Bingo shall be conducted only by the qualified organization and not by a person who:

    (i) retains a portion of the proceeds from the bingo game; or

    (ii) is compensated by the qualified organization for which the bingo is held.

  (3) A person may not receive a private profit from the proceeds of bingo.

  (4) A qualified organization that conducts bingo shall:

    (i) keep accurate records of all transactions that occur on behalf of the bingo game;

    (ii) keep the records for 2 years after the bingo game; and

    (iii) on request, make the records available for examination by:

      (1) the State's Attorney for the county;

      (2) the county sheriff;

      (3) the county Department of Health and Human Services;

      (4) the county attorney;

      (5) the Department of State Police; or

      (6) a designated officer or agent of any of those units.

  (5) A person conducting bingo shall be a resident of the county and a member of the qualified organization.

  (6) Alcoholic beverages may not be sold or consumed in the room in which bingo is conducted, either during a game or an intermission between games.

  (7) Money prizes not exceeding $1,000 in each game may be awarded in bingo.

  (8) The qualified organization may sell breakout tickets in the room in which bingo is conducted, either during a game or an intermission between games.

(b)

  (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a person may conduct bingo at the annual Montgomery County Fair for the benefit of the Montgomery County Agricultural Center, Inc.

  (2) A person who conducts bingo under this subsection may award only noncash prizes.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, in Montgomery County, an individual who is at least 55 years old may conduct a bingo game involving cash prizes if the game:

  (1) is conducted not more than once a week in a common area of a residential property that is restricted to residents who are at least 55 years old;

  (2) allows a player to compete directly against one or more other players who are residents of the residential property where the game is held;

  (3) does not allow an individual or an organization to benefit financially in any way, directly or indirectly, other than from the winnings accrued by participating as a player in the game;

  (4) does not involve:

    (i) a player's use of an electronic device that connects to the Internet;

    (ii) the use of paid public advertising or promotions;

    (iii) the charging of a fee for admission, a seat, entertainment, or any other fee; or

    (iv) the use of any money, except money used for purchasing bingo cards or food or drink; and

  (5) has a limit of $1,000 on the total amount of money, tokens representing money, or any other thing or consideration of value that may be won by all players during any 24-hour period.

#### Section 13-1804

A qualified organization that conducts bingo in the county shall be licensed by the county under this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1805

A qualified organization that conducts bingo in the county shall be located in the county.

#### Section 13-1806

(a) A qualified organization that intends to conduct bingo shall submit a bingo license application on a form that the county provides.

(b) A qualified organization shall disclose the following information on the license application:

  (1) the name of the qualified organization, and the names and addresses of its officers and directors;

  (2) a complete statement of the purposes and objectives of the qualified organization and the purposes for which the qualified organization will use the proceeds from the bingo;

  (3) a statement under oath by the president and treasurer, or the chief executive and fiscal officer, of the qualified organization that:

    (i) an agreement does not exist to divert any of the proceeds of the bingo to another person; and

    (ii) another person will not receive any of the proceeds of the bingo except to further the purpose of the qualified organization; and

  (4) any additional information that the county requires.

#### Section 13-1807

The county may issue an annual bingo license authorizing the holder to conduct bingo at a specified fixed location:

(1) at any time during the year for which the license is issued; but

(2) not to exceed twice in any 1 week.

#### Section 13-1808

(a) The county may issue:

  (1) one temporary 10-day bingo license to each applicant each calendar year at a fee determined by the county; or

  (2) a 1-day bingo license at a fee determined by the county, not to exceed three 1-day licenses to each applicant each calendar year, authorizing the holder to conduct bingo at a specified fixed location for 1 day.

(b) A temporary 10-day bingo license authorizes the holder to conduct bingo at a specified fixed location for a maximum of 10 days in any 1 year.

#### Section 13-1809

(a) The county shall:

  (1) adopt regulations for the conduct of bingo;

  (2) establish license fees, based on the administrative cost of regulating bingo and issuing each class of license; and

  (3) establish the hours of operation for bingo.

(b) After a public hearing, the county may revoke a bingo license for failure of the holder to comply with this subtitle or regulations adopted under this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1810

(a) A qualified organization may conduct a raffle in the county to benefit charity or to further the purpose of the qualified organization.

(b) A raffle shall be conducted by a qualified organization and not by a person who:

  (1) retains a portion of the proceeds from the raffle; or

  (2) is compensated by the qualified organization for which the raffle is held.

(c) A person may not receive a private profit from the proceeds of a raffle.

(d) A qualified organization that conducts a raffle shall:

  (1) keep accurate records of all transactions that occur on behalf of the raffle;

  (2) keep the records for 2 years after the raffle; and

  (3) on request, make the records available for examination by:

    (i) the State's Attorney for the county;

    (ii) the county sheriff;

    (iii) the county Department of Health and Human Services;

    (iv) the county attorney;

    (v) the Department of State Police; or

    (vi) a designated officer or agent of any of those units.

(e) A person operating a raffle shall be a resident of the county and a member of the qualified organization.

(f) Prizes of money or merchandise may be awarded in a raffle conducted under this subtitle.

(g) For a raffle of real property, the requirements of this section are in addition to the requirements of Sec. 12-106(a) of this article.

(h)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a qualified organization may not conduct more than 12 raffles each year.

  (2) There is no limit to the number of 50/50 raffles that a qualified organization may conduct if the prize for each 50/50 raffle does not exceed $300.

#### Section 13-1811

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a qualified organization that intends to conduct a raffle in the county shall obtain a permit from the county.

(b) A permit is not required to conduct a 50/50 raffle.

#### Section 13-1812

A qualified organization that conducts a raffle in the county shall be located in the county.

#### Section 13-1813

(a) A qualified organization shall apply for a raffle permit on a form that the county provides.

(b) A qualified organization shall disclose the following information on the permit application:

  (1) the name of the qualified organization, and the names and addresses of its officers and directors;

  (2) a complete statement of the purposes and objectives of the qualified organization, and the purposes for which the qualified organization will use the proceeds from the raffle;

  (3) a statement under oath by the president and treasurer, or the chief executive and fiscal officer, of the qualified organization that:

    (i) an agreement does not exist to divert any of the proceeds of the raffle to another; and

    (ii) another person will not receive any of the proceeds of the raffle except to further the purpose of the qualified organization;

  (4) in the case of a raffle of real property, under Sec. 12-106(a) of this article, a copy of the disclosure statement filed with the Secretary of State; and

  (5) any additional information that the county requires.

#### Section 13-1814

The county:

(1) may adopt regulations necessary for the conduct of a raffle; and

(2) after a public hearing, may revoke the permit of a holder for failure to comply with this subtitle or regulations adopted under this subtitle.

#### Section 13-1815

A person who violates this subtitle or a regulation adopted by the county under this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine of $1,000 or both.

### Subtitle 19. Prince George's County

#### Section 13-1901

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Benefit performance" includes an outdoor carnival, indoor carnival, fair, picnic, dance, card party, bingo party, bazaar, concert, contest, exhibition, lecture, barbecue, or dinner.

(c) "Designated county agency" means an agency designated by the Prince George's County government.

(d)

  (1) "Qualified organization" means an organization of a group of citizens of the county or a company, association, or corporation that is organized in good faith in the county to promote the purposes of a volunteer fire department or of a charitable, benevolent, patriotic, fraternal, educational, religious, or civic object.

  (2) "Qualified organization" does not include a group organized for the private profit or gain of any member of the group, company, association, or corporation.

#### Section 13-1902

(a) This subtitle applies only in Prince George's County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Prince George's County.

#### Section 13-1903

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a qualified organization may conduct a benefit performance to which the public is invited or admitted with or without charge.

(b) The net proceeds of the benefit performance:

  (1) shall benefit the qualified organization;

  (2) shall be used for the purposes of the qualified organization; and

  (3) may not benefit the private gain of a member of the qualified organization.

#### Section 13-1904

(a) A benefit performance shall be personally managed and conducted only by members of the qualified organization that sponsors the benefit performance.

(b)

  (1) At a benefit performance, a qualified organization may:

    (i) conduct games of skill; or

    (ii) dispose of merchandise and other things of value by auction, voting, or using a mechanical device such as a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, bingo, or similar device.

  (2) The activities allowed under this subsection may be conducted with or without an entrance or participation fee.

#### Section 13-1905

A qualified organization shall obtain a written permit from the governing body of the county or its designee before conducting a benefit performance.

#### Section 13-1906

At a benefit performance, a qualified organization may award:

(1) a merchandise prize; or

(2) a money prize of not more than $1,000 per prize.

#### Section 13-1907

A person who conducts or attempts to conduct a benefit performance in violation of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

#### Section 13-1908

(a) This section does not apply to a raffle conducted under Sec. 13-1911.1 of this subtitle.

(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a qualified organization may conduct a raffle.

(c)

  (1) The proceeds of a raffle:

    (i) shall benefit the qualified organization; and

    (ii) shall be used for the purposes of the qualified organization.

  (2) Except for a bona fide raffle winner, an individual or group may not:

    (i) benefit financially from the holding of a raffle; or

    (ii) receive or be paid any proceeds from a raffle for personal use or benefit.

#### Section 13-1909

(a) This section does not apply to a raffle conducted under Sec. 13-1911.1 of this subtitle.

(b) A raffle shall be personally conducted and managed only by regular members of the qualified organization.

#### Section 13-1910

(a) This section does not apply to a raffle conducted under Sec. 13-1911.1 of this subtitle.

(b) A qualified organization shall obtain a written permit from the designated county agency before conducting a raffle if the total cash value of the prize exceeds $200.

(c)

  (1) Before issuing a permit, the designated county agency shall ascertain the character of the qualified organization applying for a permit under this section to determine if the application complies with this subtitle.

  (2) A permit issued to a qualified organization to conduct a raffle may not be transferred.

(d) The permit fee for each raffle is $15.

#### Section 13-1911

(a) This section does not apply to a raffle conducted under Sec. 13-1911.1 of this subtitle.

(b) A qualified organization conducting a raffle may award prizes in money not exceeding a total of $5,000 and in merchandise in any amount or the merchandise cash equivalent.

#### Section 13-1911.1

(a) A raffle may be conducted by a charitable foundation that:

  (1) is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

  (2) is affiliated with a professional football team that plays its home games in Prince George's County; and

  (3) has an office and conducts operations in Prince George's County.

(b)

  (1) Before conducting a raffle, a charitable foundation shall obtain a written permit from the designated county agency.

  (2) Before issuing a permit, the designated county agency shall ascertain the character of the applicant to determine if the permit should be issued.

  (3) A permit issued to a charitable foundation may not be transferred.

  (4) The designated county agency shall set a fee for issuance of a permit.

  (5) There is no limit on the number of permits that the designated county agency may issue in a year.

(c)

  (1) The charitable foundation conducting a raffle may:

    (i) set the price of raffle tickets; and

    (ii) subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, award prizes in any amount in money or in merchandise.

  (2) The amount of a cash award or the retail cash equivalent of a merchandise award may not exceed 50% of the proceeds of a raffle.

(d)

  (1) The proceeds of a raffle shall be used to:

    (i) benefit the residents of Prince George's County;

    (ii) pay for prizes awarded to winners; and

    (iii) pay for reasonable costs for necessary equipment and supplies.

  (2) Proceeds of a raffle may not be used to help cover costs involved in conducting the raffle, including any compensation to ticket sellers or individuals who operate the raffle.

(e)

  (1) A raffle shall be held in conjunction with a specific professional football game played in Prince George's County.

  (2) A permit to hold a raffle is valid for not more than 24 hours.

  (3) All raffle tickets shall be sold and received:

    (i) on property owned or under the control of the professional football team with which the charitable foundation is affiliated; and

    (ii) may not be sold on the Internet or otherwise to an individual not physically present on the property.

(f) On or before March 30 of each year, the charitable foundation shall send to the designated county agency a report detailing the amount and disposition of the money raised by raffles in the previous calendar year.

#### Section 13-1912

(a) In this section:

  (1) "casino night" means a benefit performance at which:

    (i) a card game, wheel of chance, or roulette is played; and

    (ii) money winnings or tokens redeemable in money are awarded as prizes; but

  (2) "casino night" does not include a benefit performance at which the only form of gaming is a wheel of fortune, big wheel, or other wheel of chance.

(b)

  (1) This subtitle and Subtitle 2 of this title do not authorize casino nights in the county.

  (2) A person may not conduct a casino night in the county.

(c) A person who violates this section or a county ordinance enacted under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $5,000 or both.

### Subtitle 20. Queen Anne's County

#### Section 13-2001

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "County commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Queen Anne's County.

(c) "Permit" means:

  (1) a multiple gaming device permit issued under Sec. 13-2003 of this subtitle; or

  (2) a raffle permit issued under Sec. 13-2004 of this subtitle.

(d)

  (1) "Raffle" means a lottery in which a prize is won by a person who buys a paper chance.

  (2) A "raffle" is not a multiple gaming device regulated under Sec. 13-2003 of this subtitle unless run in conjunction with an event that requires a multiple gaming device permit.

#### Section 13-2002

(a) This subtitle applies only in Queen Anne's County.

(b) This subtitle does not authorize gambling using a slot machine or coin machine.

#### Section 13-2003

(a) An organization listed in subsection (b) of this section shall obtain a permit from the county commissioners before the organization may use two or more of the following gaming devices in conducting a fundraiser at which prizes of merchandise or money may be awarded:

  (1) a paddle wheel;

  (2) a wheel of fortune;

  (3) a chance book;

  (4) a card game;

  (5) a raffle; or

  (6) any other gaming device.

(b)

  (1) In this subsection, "charity" means an organization, institution, association, society, or corporation that is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

  (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the county commissioners may issue a permit to use multiple gaming devices to an organization if the organization is:

    (i) 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;

    (ii) a county-supported or municipally supported volunteer fire company or an auxiliary unit of the volunteer fire company whose members are directly associated with the volunteer fire company or auxiliary unit;

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

    (iv) if the organization intends to use two or more gaming devices to conduct a fundraiser for the benefit of a charity located in the county, an organization that is a bona fide:

      (1) fraternal organization;

      (2) educational organization;

      (3) civic organization;

      (4) patriotic organization; or

      (5) charitable organization; or

    (v) a bona fide nonprofit organization that:

      (1) has operated on a nonprofit basis in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a permit; and

      (2) intends to use the multiple gaming devices to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose specifically described in the permit application.

(c) Before issuing a permit, the county commissioners shall determine that the organization seeking the permit:

  (1) is organized in and serves the residents of the county; and

  (2) meets the conditions of this section.

(d)

  (1)

    (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, a permit is valid for one event that does not last longer than 6 hours.

    (ii) The county commissioners may issue a permit for an event longer than 6 hours if the permit holder does not seek more than one permit in the same year.

  (2) The county commissioners may not approve a permit for gaming events to be held on premises that are licensed under a Class B or Class D alcoholic beverages license.

  (3) The county commissioners may not issue more than two permits to an organization in a single year.

  (4) The county commissioners may:

    (i) charge a fee set by resolution for each permit;

    (ii) set the number of permits that may be issued each year; and

    (iii) adopt regulations governing permit applications and the issuance of permits.

(e)

  (1) An organization that is issued a permit shall conduct its fundraiser in:

    (i) a structure that the organization owns, leases, or occupies;

    (ii) a structure that any organization that would qualify for a permit owns, leases, or occupies; or

    (iii) a public location that is:

      (1) described in the permit application; and

      (2) approved by the State's Attorney for the county.

  (2)

    (i) Unless the county commissioners grant a waiver, a fundraiser for which a permit is issued shall be managed and operated only by individuals who reside in the county and on behalf of the permit holder.

    (ii) Each permit holder shall designate an individual to be responsible for compliance with the terms and conditions of this subtitle and a permit issued under this subtitle.

    (iii) A person may not be compensated for operating the gaming activity conducted under a permit.

(f)

  (1) The permit holder shall use at least one-half of the funds raised using the permit for civic, charitable, or educational purposes.

  (2) Within 30 days after a fundraiser, the permit holder shall send to the county commissioners:

    (i) an accounting of all funds received or pledged;

    (ii) an accounting of all expenses paid or incurred; and

    (iii) a statement under oath of the application of the net profits.

(g) The county commissioners may deny a permit for not more than 3 years to an organization that violates this subtitle or regulations adopted under this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2004

(a) The county commissioners may issue a raffle permit to an organization that qualifies for a permit under Sec. 13-2003 of this subtitle or under regulations that the county commissioners adopt.

(b) The holder of a raffle permit must award the last prize in the raffle within 1 year after the date that the permit for the raffle is issued.

(c) The county commissioners may regulate the number of raffle permits that an organization may be issued in 1 year.

#### Section 13-2005

To benefit charity in the county or to further its purposes, an entity may conduct bingo if the entity is a bona fide:

(1) religious organization;

(2) fraternal organization;

(3) charitable organization; or

(4) volunteer fire company operating in a community that does not have a paid fire department.

#### Section 13-2006

(a) A person who violates a provision of Sec. 13-2002, Sec. 13-2003, or Sec. 13-2004 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(b) Each day that a person violates this section is a separate violation.

### Subtitle 21. St. Mary's County

#### Section 13-2101

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "County commissioners" means the County Commissioners of St. Mary's County.

(c) "Designee" means a person designated by the county commissioners to administer the issuance of bingo licenses or gaming permits in the county.

(d)

  (1) "Gaming device" means a mechanism for playing a game of chance.

  (2) "Gaming device" includes a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, chance book, bingo, Nevada card, and a stamp machine.

  (3) "Gaming device" does not include a slot machine, as defined in Sec. 12-301 of this article.

(e) "Gaming event" means a carnival, bazaar, or raffle.

(f) "Qualified organization" means:

  (1) a volunteer fire company; or

  (2) a bona fide:

    (i) religious organization;

    (ii) fraternal organization;

    (iii) civic organization;

    (iv) war veterans' organization; or

    (v) charitable organization.

(g) "Sheriff" means the Sheriff of St. Mary's County.

#### Section 13-2102

(a) This subtitle applies only in St. Mary's County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in St. Mary's County.

#### Section 13-2103

(a) A qualified organization must have a bingo license whenever the qualified organization conducts bingo.

(b) The county commissioners may adopt regulations, in consultation with the designee under Sec. 13-2105 of this subtitle, to administer and enforce bingo activities in the county.

#### Section 13-2104

To be eligible for a bingo license, an organization must be:

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

(2) a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue squad, regardless of whether the company or squad is supported by tax revenues, or an auxiliary unit whose members are associated directly with the company or squad;

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

(4) a nonprofit organization that:

  (i) has operated in the county for at least 3 years before the application date; and

  (ii) intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose specifically described in the application.

#### Section 13-2105

(a) The county commissioners shall designate a person to administer the issuance of bingo licenses in the county.

(b) An organization shall submit an application for a bingo license to the designee.

(c) A principal officer of the organization shall certify in the application for a bingo license:

  (1) the name and address of the organization;

  (2) the name and address of the officer seeking the license for the organization;

  (3) that the officer is authorized by the organization to file the application;

  (4) the time and place of bingo;

  (5) that, within 15 days after the last day named in the application for the license to conduct bingo, a principal officer of the organization will file under penalties of perjury the report required by Sec. 13-2109 of this subtitle;

  (6) that bingo will be conducted solely and personally by the regular members of the organization, without the assistance of gaming professionals; and

  (7) that no compensation or reward will be paid to a person for conducting or assisting in conducting bingo.

#### Section 13-2106

(a) By resolution, the county commissioners may establish a bingo license fee schedule based on criteria that the county commissioners consider appropriate.

(b) The designee shall charge for each license the annual license fee that the county commissioners set by resolution.

(c) A resolution adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall specify the fund in which the license fees are to be deposited.

#### Section 13-2107

The designee shall issue a numbered license to an organization that meets the requirements of Sec.Sec. 13-2103 through 13-2110 of this subtitle to conduct bingo and award prizes.

#### Section 13-2108

A license issued under this subtitle is valid for 1 year.

#### Section 13-2109

Within 15 days after the last day authorized for bingo in the license, a principal officer of the organization shall file a report under penalties of perjury that certifies:

(1) that the regular members of the organization personally conducted bingo at the time and place stated in the application without the assistance of gaming professionals;

(2) the disposition of the cash proceeds of the bingo; and

(3) that the organization did not pay a premises rental fee to:

  (i) itself;

  (ii) its trustees;

  (iii) a committee of the organization; or

  (iv) any organization whose members are the same, or substantially the same, as the licensed organization.

#### Section 13-2110

An organization is disqualified from obtaining a license under this subtitle for 1 year if the organization fails to:

(1) file the report required under Sec. 13-2109 of this subtitle; or

(2) comply with Sec.Sec. 13-2103 through 13-2110 of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2111

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a qualified organization must hold a gaming permit whenever the qualified organization operates a gaming device in accordance with this subtitle.

(b) A qualified organization may hold a gaming event and may operate a gaming device if an individual or group of individuals does not:

  (1) benefit financially from the operation of the gaming device; or

  (2) receive from the operation of the gaming device any proceeds for personal use or benefit.

(c) The county commissioners may adopt regulations, in consultation with the designee under subsection (d) of this section, to administer and enforce the gaming device permit required under this section in the county.

(d) The county commissioners shall designate a person to administer the issuance of gaming permits under this section in the county.

#### Section 13-2112

Members of the qualified organization shall personally manage the operation of the gaming device.

#### Section 13-2113

If a qualified organization uses a gaming device on a daily basis:

(1) the qualified organization may not operate more than five gaming devices; and

(2) the premises in which the qualified organization operates the gaming device may not contain more than five gaming devices.

#### Section 13-2114

(a) All proceeds from a gaming device shall be used solely for the legitimate charitable, benevolent, or tax-exempt purposes of the qualified organization.

(b) Proceeds from the operation of a gaming device may not be used to benefit personally any member of the qualified organization.

#### Section 13-2115

(a) A qualified organization shall keep accurate records of proceeds and expenditures involving gaming devices.

(b) On request, a qualified organization shall allow the State's Attorney for the county, a State Police officer, the designee, and the sheriff or deputy sheriff to examine the records required under subsection (a) of this section.

#### Section 13-2116

(a) In this section, "senior activity center" means a community or neighborhood facility in which a broad spectrum of services are organized and provided to senior citizens and their spouses, including health, social, nutritional, educational, and recreational services.

(b) A senior activity center may conduct a gaming event, bunco game, or card game in the center.

(c) A senior activity center may not:

  (1) award a prize of money exceeding $50 to a winner in each session; or

  (2) charge a participant more than $25 to play one session.

(d) Any money that remains after prizes are awarded shall be used to support future programming at the senior activity center.

### Subtitle 22. Somerset County

#### Section 13-2201

(a) This subtitle applies only in Somerset County.

(b) Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Somerset County.

#### Section 13-2202

To benefit charity in the county or to further the purposes of an organization qualified to conduct bingo under this section, an organization may conduct bingo if the organization is a bona fide:

(1) religious organization;

(2) fraternal organization;

(3) war veterans' organization;

(4) charitable organization; or

(5) volunteer fire company operating in a community that does not have a paid fire department.

### Subtitle 23. Talbot County

#### Section 13-2301

Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Talbot County.

### Subtitle 24. Washington County

#### Section 13-2401

In this subtitle, "county commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County.

#### Section 13-2402

This subtitle applies only in Washington County.

#### Section 13-2403

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Washington County.

#### Section 13-2404

(a) A volunteer rescue company shall be treated as a volunteer fire company for purposes of Subtitle 2 of this title.

(b) A person may not operate a chance book, paddle wheel, tip jar, wheel of fortune, or other gaming device, other than a bingo game, on premises that are owned by, leased to, or used as a place of business by a person that conducts a bingo game for purposes of making a profit.

(c)

  (1) Subtitle 2 of this title does not apply to the operation of tip jars.

  (2) Tip jars are regulated under Part III of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2407

Bingo may be conducted in accordance with Part II of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2408

(a) Before a person may conduct bingo, the person shall obtain a bingo permit from the county commissioners.

(b)

  (1) Before issuing a bingo permit, the county commissioners shall ascertain:

    (i) the purpose of the bingo game; and

    (ii) the intended use of receipts from bingo.

  (2) The county commissioners may not issue a new bingo permit for bingo that is to be conducted for profit.

#### Section 13-2409

(a) This section does not apply to a nonprofit organization seeking a bingo permit.

(b) The county commissioners may charge an annual fee not exceeding $5,000 for a bingo permit.

#### Section 13-2410

A person may not give or offer in a single bingo game:

(1) a money prize exceeding $1,000;

(2) a merchandise prize exceeding a value of $1,000; or

(3) a prize of money and merchandise with a combined value exceeding $1,000.

#### Section 13-2411

(a) A person may not conduct bingo in violation of Part II of this subtitle.

(b) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(c) Each day that a violation occurs is a separate violation.

#### Section 13-2414

(a) In Part III of this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Agency" means the county agency that the county commissioners designate to administer Part III of this subtitle.

(c) "Fund" means the Washington County Gaming Fund.

(d) "Gaming commission" means the Washington County Gaming Commission.

(e) "Tip jar" means:

  (1) a gaming device from which for consideration a number, series of numbers, or other symbol is obtained by selection of a sealed piece of paper that may entitle the purchaser to a payoff in money or otherwise, either on receipt or as the result of a subsequent announcement of a winning number, series of numbers, or other symbol; or

  (2) any other device commonly recognized as a tip jar.

(f) "Tip jar license" means a license that the agency issues to operate a tip jar.

(g) "Tip jar packet" means a package of numbers, series of numbers, or symbols on folded or sealed pieces of paper that is designed to be sold through a tip jar and that is sufficient for a single tip jar game.

(h) "Wholesaler's license" means a license that the agency issues to sell or wholesale tip jar packets for profit.

#### Section 13-2415

There is a Washington County Gaming Commission.

#### Section 13-2416

(a)

  (1) The gaming commission consists of seven members.

  (2) Of the seven members of the gaming commission:

    (i) three shall be appointed by the county commissioners;

    (ii) one shall be appointed by the State Senators whose districts are in or include part of the county;

    (iii) one shall be appointed by the chairperson of the county delegation to the House of Delegates, with the concurrence of that delegation;

    (iv) one shall be from the Washington County Clubs Association, appointed by the county Senate and House delegations; and

    (v) one shall be a representative of the alcoholic beverages, restaurant, and tavern industries in the county, appointed by the county Senate and House delegations.

(b) Each member of the gaming commission shall be a resident of the county.

(c) A member appointed to the gaming commission under subsection (a)(2)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section may not:

  (1) hold a tip jar license or wholesaler's license or be employed by a person who holds a tip jar license or wholesaler's license; or

  (2) hold an ownership interest in or receive a direct benefit from a person who holds a tip jar license or wholesaler's license.

(d)

  (1) The term of a member of the gaming commission is 2 years and begins on March 1 or October 1, according to the staggered schedule required by the terms provided for members of the gaming commission on October 1, 2002.

  (2) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed.

  (3) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed.

(e) A member who completes two full terms on the gaming commission may not be reappointed within the 5 years after the end of the second term.

(f) The gaming commission shall adopt conflict of interest regulations applicable to members of the gaming commission.

#### Section 13-2417

(a) Each year the gaming commission shall elect a chairperson from among its members.

(b) The manner of election of a chairperson shall be as the gaming commission determines.

#### Section 13-2418

(a) A member of the gaming commission:

  (1) may not receive compensation; but

  (2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses, in accordance with a policy of the county commissioners.

(b) The county commissioners shall assign appropriate professional staff to the gaming commission for the gaming commission's meetings.

#### Section 13-2419

(a)

  (1) The county commissioners shall adopt regulations to carry out Part III of this subtitle.

  (2) The agency may recommend to the county commissioners regulations or guidelines concerning the administration of Part III of this subtitle.

(b) The county commissioners shall make available for public inspection:

  (1) audit reports completed under Sec. 13-2432(a) of this subtitle; and

  (2) in accordance with regulations of the county commissioners, tip jar reports submitted under Sec. 13-2424 of this subtitle.

(c) By regulation, the county commissioners may require:

  (1) an applicant for a tip jar license or wholesaler's license or an individual involved in the operation of a tip jar to be fingerprinted for purposes of a criminal history records check; and

  (2) the agency to obtain a criminal history records check in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.

(d)

  (1) If the county commissioners direct the agency to obtain criminal history records checks, the agency shall apply to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for a State criminal history records check for each:

    (i) applicant for a tip jar license or wholesaler's license; and

    (ii) individual involved in the operation of a tip jar.

  (2) As part of the application for a criminal history records check, the agency shall submit to the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository:

    (i) a complete set of the applicant's or individual's legible fingerprints on forms approved by the director of the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository; and

    (ii) the fee authorized under Sec. 10-221(b)(7) of the Criminal Procedure Article.

  (3) The Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository shall provide the requested information in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Criminal Procedure Article.

#### Section 13-2420

(a) A person shall be licensed by the agency before operating a tip jar.

(b) To be eligible for a license to operate a tip jar, an applicant shall be a:

  (1) religious organization;

  (2) civic organization;

  (3) fraternal organization;

  (4) veterans' organization;

  (5) bona fide charitable organization;

  (6) sportsmen's association that is tax exempt under Sec. 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and that is approved by the county commissioners;

  (7) holder of a Class A beer, wine and liquor license;

  (8) restaurant with an alcoholic beverages license;

  (9) tavern with an alcoholic beverages license;

  (10) volunteer fire company; or

  (11) volunteer rescue company.

(c)

  (1) A person may not receive a tip jar license if the person:

    (i) owes taxes to the State, the county, or a municipal corporation in the county;

    (ii) unless authorized under paragraph (2) of this subsection, holds a wholesaler's license; or

    (iii) has been convicted of a:

      (1) felony; or

      (2) misdemeanor involving a violation of a gambling or gaming law of the State.

  (2) A volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue company may hold both a tip jar license and wholesaler's license.

#### Section 13-2421

(a)

  (1) An applicant for a tip jar license shall:

    (i) submit to the agency an application on the form that the agency provides; and

    (ii) subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, pay an annual fee of $250 to the county.

  (2) The county commissioners may waive or reduce the annual fee for an organization that qualifies for a license under Sec. 13-2420(b)(1) through (6), (10), or (11) of this subtitle.

(b) The county shall credit license fees collected under subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section to the general fund of the county.

#### Section 13-2422

The agency may issue a tip jar license to each applicant that meets the requirements of Part III of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2423

(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the county commissioners, a tip jar licensee may operate a tip jar game only:

  (1) during normal business hours; and

  (2) on the tip jar licensee's premises.

(b) A tip jar licensee may award prizes in money or merchandise for a tip jar game.

(c) The agency periodically shall send an agent to inspect the premises of each tip jar licensee to ensure compliance with Part III of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2424

(a) At least three times a year, a tip jar licensee shall submit to the county commissioners a report concerning the tip jars the person operates.

(b) Each report shall:

  (1) identify gaming stickers used;

  (2) indicate the number of tip jars in operation;

  (3) indicate the number of tip jar packets purchased; and

  (4) include any additional information that the county commissioners require.

(c)

  (1) This subsection only applies to a person who qualifies for a tip jar license under Sec. 13-2420(b)(7), (8), or (9) of this subtitle.

  (2) In accordance with regulations of the county commissioners, a person subject to this subsection shall include in each report an accounting of receipts and disbursements made in connection with tip jars for the reporting period.

(d) Each report shall include a written statement, signed by the individual making the report, in which the individual affirms under the penalties of Part III of this subtitle and under the penalty of perjury that the contents of the report are true to the best of the individual's knowledge, information, and belief.

(e)

  (1) This subsection only applies to an organization that qualifies for a tip jar license under Sec. 13-2420(b)(1) through (6) of this subtitle.

  (2) Each report for an organization that is subject to this subsection:

    (i) shall be filed by an officer of the organization; and

    (ii) in accordance with regulations of the county commissioners, shall include for the reporting period an accounting of:

      (1) all receipts in connection with the operation of a tip jar; and

      (2) the disbursements made in compliance with Sec. 13-2435(e) of this subtitle.

  (3) In filing a report under this subsection, the officer of the organization may not:

    (i) fraudulently use a false or fictitious name;

    (ii) knowingly conceal a material fact;

    (iii) knowingly make a false statement; or

    (iv) otherwise commit fraud.

  (4) A person who violates paragraph (3) of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

#### Section 13-2425

(a) A tip jar license expires on the first July 1 after its effective date.

(b) A tip jar license is not transferable.

#### Section 13-2426

(a) By regulation, the county commissioners may establish a temporary tip jar license for a nonprofit organization that desires to raise money solely for an athletic, charitable, or educational purpose that:

  (1) meets the requirements for a charitable contribution under Sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

  (2) does not benefit a:

    (i) law enforcement agency;

    (ii) law enforcement fraternal organization;

    (iii) political club, political committee, or political party; or

    (iv) unit of the State government or of a political subdivision of the State other than:

      (1) an ambulance, fire fighting, or rescue squad; or

      (2) a primary or secondary school or an institution of higher education.

(b) If the county commissioners establish a temporary tip jar license, by regulation, the county commissioners shall:

  (1) set the fee for a temporary tip jar license;

  (2) set the term of a temporary tip jar license;

  (3) prescribe which provisions of Part III of this subtitle apply to the issuance of a temporary tip jar license and the operation of a tip jar under a temporary tip jar license; and

  (4) establish any additional requirements that the county commissioners consider appropriate concerning operation of a tip jar under a temporary tip jar license.

(c) An organization that receives a temporary tip jar license is subject to audit by the gaming commission.

(d) An individual involved in the operation of a tip jar under a temporary tip jar license may not personally benefit financially from the operation of the tip jar.

(e) If an organization that has operated a tip jar under a temporary tip jar license disbands, the organization shall transfer any remaining proceeds from the operation of a tip jar to the fund.

#### Section 13-2427

(a) A person shall be licensed by the agency as a wholesaler before the person may sell a tip jar packet for profit.

(b)

  (1) A person is eligible for a license under this section to sell or wholesale for profit a tip jar packet if the person:

    (i) is of good moral character;

    (ii) except for a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue company, has had an established place of business in the county for at least 3 years, as evidenced by the filing of personal property tax returns;

    (iii) in the case of a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue company, has been established in the county for at least 1 year;

    (iv) does not owe taxes to the State, the county, or a municipal corporation in the county;

    (v) unless authorized under paragraph (2) of this subsection, does not hold a tip jar license;

    (vi) has not been convicted of a:

      (1) felony; or

      (2) misdemeanor involving a violation of a gambling or gaming law of the State;

    (vii) except for a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue company, does not hold a tip jar license or own or have in any way an interest in an entity that holds a tip jar license;

    (viii) except for a volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue company, is not an immediate family member of a person who holds a tip jar license or owns or has in any way an interest in an entity that holds a tip jar license; and

    (ix) is not a corporation, limited liability company, or unincorporated association in which at least one stockholder or member is a holder of a tip jar license.

  (2) A volunteer fire company or volunteer rescue company may hold both a tip jar license and a wholesaler's license.

#### Section 13-2428

(a)

  (1) An applicant for a wholesaler's license shall:

    (i) submit to the agency an application on the form that the agency provides; and

    (ii) subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, pay to the agency an annual fee of $500.

  (2) The county commissioners shall waive the annual fee for a volunteer fire company or a volunteer rescue company.

(b) The agency shall credit license fees collected under subsection (a)(1)(ii) of this section to the general fund of the county.

#### Section 13-2429

The agency may issue a wholesaler's license to each applicant that meets the requirements of Part III of this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2430

(a) A holder of a wholesaler's license may not sell a tip jar packet to a person who does not have a tip jar license.

(b) Before selling a tip jar packet, a holder of a wholesaler's license shall:

  (1) obtain a gaming sticker from the agency; and

  (2) affix the gaming sticker to the tip jar packet in the manner the county commissioners require.

#### Section 13-2431

(a) A wholesaler's license expires on the first July 1 after its effective date.

(b) A wholesaler's license is not transferable.

#### Section 13-2432

(a) The county commissioners may audit records relating to tip jars of a holder of a tip jar license or wholesaler's license.

(b) In accordance with regulations of the county commissioners, a holder of a tip jar license or a wholesaler's license shall make available to an auditor designated by the county commissioners the records that are required for an audit.

(c) A holder of a tip jar license or a wholesaler's license shall retain for at least 5 years the records that are required by the county commissioners by regulation.

#### Section 13-2433

(a) Subject to the hearing provisions of Sec. 13-2434 of this subtitle, the agency may:

  (1) deny a tip jar license or a wholesaler's license to an applicant; or

  (2) in accordance with Sec. 13-2437 of this subtitle, discipline a holder of a tip jar license or wholesaler's license.

(b) The agency shall deny a license to an applicant whose tip jar license or wholesaler's license has been revoked.

(c) If the license of a holder of a tip jar license or wholesaler's license is revoked for two separate civil violations under Sec. 13-2437 of this subtitle or a criminal violation under Sec. 13-2424(e) or Sec. 13-2438(a) of this subtitle, the agency may deny a tip jar license or wholesaler's license to:

  (1) a corporate or limited liability entity applicant if 50% or more of the capital stock is owned by an individual, or an immediate family member of an individual, whose license was revoked; or

  (2) a partnership applicant if the partnership includes as a partner an individual whose license was revoked.

#### Section 13-2434

(a) Before the agency takes action under Sec. 13-2433(a) of this subtitle, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated the opportunity for a hearing.

(b) If a hearing is requested, the county commissioners shall:

  (1) give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article; or

  (2) delegate to the Office of Administrative Hearings the authority to hold the hearing.

(c) If the county commissioners hold the hearing, the county commissioners may administer oaths in connection with the hearing.

(d)

  (1) If the Office of Administrative Hearings holds the hearing:

    (i) the administrative law judge shall state on the record the conclusions of law and findings of fact; and

    (ii) subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the determination of the administrative law judge is a final decision for purposes of judicial review in the same manner as a final decision in a contested case under Sec. 10-222 of the State Government Article.

  (2) In an appeal of a decision of the administrative law judge:

    (i) if the civil penalty is less than $5,000, judicial review of disputed issues of fact shall be confined to the record; or

    (ii) if the civil penalty is $5,000 or more, judicial review shall be de novo.

(e) After notice, if the person against whom the action is contemplated:

  (1) fails or refuses to appear, nevertheless the county commissioners may hear and determine the matter; or

  (2) does not request a hearing, the county commissioners may impose a civil penalty without a hearing.

#### Section 13-2435

(a) In this section, "gross profits" means the total proceeds from the operation of a tip jar less:

  (1) the amount of money winnings or value of prizes distributed; and

  (2) the cost of a gaming sticker.

(b) There is a Washington County Gaming Fund.

(c)

  (1) The county commissioners shall establish:

    (i) the method and time of deposits to the fund; and

    (ii) other procedures necessary to carry out subsections (d), (e), and (f) of this section.

  (2) In accordance with a written agreement between the county commissioners and the gaming commission, the gaming commission may use money from the fund to reimburse the county commissioners for the costs to the county for administering Part III of this subtitle.

  (3)

    (i) The county commissioners may require the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association to submit financial reports of the Association.

    (ii) The county commissioners may adopt regulations specifying the time frames for submission of the reports, but the regulations shall be limited in scope to the timing of submission of the reports only.

    (iii) The financial reports of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association may include an annual budget as approved under paragraph (4) of this subsection, budget reports, and related documentation that shows how money has been spent by the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association during the previous fiscal year.

    (iv) If the financial reports are not submitted within the time required under the regulations, the county commissioners may withhold funds that would otherwise be distributed under subsection (f)(1) of this section until the reports are submitted.

  (4)

    (i) Each year the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association shall submit its budget to the county commissioners.

    (ii) The county commissioners shall accept or reject the budget by a majority vote.

    (iii) The acceptance or rejection of the budget may not be delegated to any designee.

    (iv) The county commissioners may withhold funds that would otherwise be distributed under subsection (f)(1) of this section until the budget of the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association is accepted by the county commissioners.

(d)

  (1) This subsection applies only to a person who holds a tip jar license under Sec. 13-2420(b)(7), (8), or (9) of this subtitle.

  (2) Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, a person subject to this subsection shall deposit with a financial institution designated by the gaming commission, to the credit of the fund, the gross profits from each tip jar that the person operates.

  (3) To offset the costs of operating a tip jar, a person with a tip jar license may retain 50% of the gross profits from each tip jar game.

(e)

  (1) This subsection applies only to a person who holds a tip jar license under Sec. 13-2420(b)(1) through (6) of this subtitle.

  (2) A person subject to this subsection shall deposit with a financial institution designated by the gaming commission, to the credit of the fund, 15% of the gross profits earned through the operation of tip jars during the 12-month period ending June 30.

  (3) If a person fails to contribute the full amount required under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the person shall deposit the balance required during the next year.

(f) After the reimbursement under subsection (c)(2) of this section, each year the gaming commission shall distribute:

  (1) 50% of the money deposited in the fund to the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association; and

  (2) subject to any restriction that the county commissioners adopt by regulation, 50% of the money deposited in the fund to bona fide charitable organizations in the county.

(g) The county commissioners may not require that funds distributed under (f)(1) of this section be used for fire and rescue services for which funds previously have been appropriated in the county operating budget.

#### Section 13-2436

(a) Unless licensed to operate a tip jar by the agency, a person may not offer to another a chance from a tip jar or otherwise operate a tip jar.

(b) A holder of a tip jar license may not:

  (1) allow a minor to play a tip jar; or

  (2) operate a tip jar on property owned by the Board of Education of Washington County.

(c) Unless licensed as a wholesaler to sell tip jar packets by the agency, a person may not sell or wholesale a tip jar packet for profit.

#### Section 13-2437

(a) If a person violates Part III of this subtitle, the person is subject to:

  (1) for a first violation, suspension of the person's tip jar license or wholesaler's license and a civil penalty not exceeding $1,500; or

  (2) for each subsequent violation, revocation of the person's tip jar license or wholesaler's license and a civil penalty not exceeding $5,000.

(b) In addition to the penalties under subsection (a)(2) of this section, if the person has a liquor license, the agency may recommend to the Board of License Commissioners for Washington County that the Board suspend the person's liquor license for not less than 15 days for a subsequent violation.

(c) Civil penalties collected under subsection (a) of this section shall be credited to the general fund of the county.

#### Section 13-2438

(a)

  (1) A person who violates Sec. 13-2436 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:

    (i) for a first violation, $5,000; or

    (ii) for each subsequent violation, $10,000.

  (2) Each sale or offer of a chance from a tip jar is a separate violation.

(b) If a person convicted under this section has a liquor license, the agency shall recommend to the Board of License Commissioners for Washington County that the Board suspend the person's liquor license for not less than 15 days.

#### Section 13-2439

On or before February 1 of each year, the gaming commission shall submit a report to the Comptroller that includes:

(1) the total amount of revenue received by the gaming commission for the previous calendar year as a result of the operation of tip jars in Washington County;

(2) a detailed listing of the total distributions made by the gaming commission during the previous calendar year with regard to revenue received from the operation of tip jars in Washington County; and

(3) any additional information that the Comptroller may require.

### Subtitle 25. Wicomico County

#### Section 13-2501

(a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Committee" means the Gaming Advisory Committee established under Sec. 13-2505 of this subtitle.

(c) "Sheriff" means the Sheriff of Wicomico County.

#### Section 13-2502

(a) This subtitle applies only in Wicomico County.

(b) This subtitle does not authorize gambling using a slot machine or a coin machine.

#### Section 13-2503

(a) The sheriff may issue a license to an organization listed in subsection (b) of this section to conduct a game that uses any of the following devices to award prizes of merchandise or money:

  (1) a paddle wheel;

  (2) a wheel of fortune;

  (3) a chance book;

  (4) bingo;

  (5) a raffle; or

  (6) any other gaming device.

(b) To qualify for a license under this subtitle, an organization shall be:

  (1) a bona fide religious organization that has conducted religious services at a fixed location in the county for at least 5 years before the organization applies for a license;

  (2) a tax-supported volunteer fire company or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with the fire company;

  (3) an organization that has been located in the county for at least 5 years before it applies for a license and is:

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

    (ii) a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code;

    (iii) a nonprofit fraternal organization that is exempt from taxation under Sec. 501(c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

    (iv) a nonprofit organization that:

      (1) intends to use the gaming license to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose that meets the conditions of subsection (c) of this section; and

      (2) states the charitable, athletic, or educational purpose in the application to the sheriff.

(c) For the purposes of subsection (b)(3)(iv) of this section, a purpose is considered a charitable, athletic, or educational purpose if the purpose:

  (1) meets the requirements for a charitable contribution under Sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

  (2) does not benefit a:

    (i) law enforcement unit;

    (ii) fraternal organization for a law enforcement unit;

    (iii) political club;

    (iv) political committee;

    (v) political party; or

    (vi) unit of State government or a political subdivision of the State other than:

      (1) an ambulance company;

      (2) a fire fighting company;

      (3) a rescue company;

      (4) a primary school;

      (5) a secondary school; or

      (6) an institution of higher education.

(d)

  (1) An applicant for a license shall submit an application to the sheriff.

  (2) The application shall contain:

    (i) a copy of the tax-exempt verification of the organization;

    (ii) a copy of the applicant's charter, if applicable; and

    (iii) a certification by a principal officer of the applicant stating:

      (1) the dates for which the license is sought;

      (2) the place at which the game will be conducted;

      (3) the type of game for which the license is sought;

      (4) that only the regular members of the applicant will conduct the games and operate the gaming device for which the license is sought;

      (5) that the applicant will not use the assistance of gaming professionals in conducting games or operating gaming devices;

      (6) that persons conducting the games and operating the gaming devices or assisting in conducting the games and operating the gaming devices will not receive compensation or reward; and

      (7) that all proceeds obtained under the license will be used to further the purposes of the organization.

  (3) The sheriff shall retain the copies of the applicant's verification of tax exemption and charter.

(e)

  (1) The sheriff may issue a license:

    (i) for one or more specific dates; or

    (ii) for a period not exceeding 1 year.

  (2) The licensing year shall run from July 1 through the following June 30.

  (3) The license shall state:

    (i) the dates that the game will be conducted;

    (ii) the place that the game will be conducted; and

    (iii) the type of game authorized.

(f)

  (1) Except as provided under paragraph (2) of this subsection, a licensee may not conduct a game on Sunday.

  (2)

    (i) A licensee may operate a raffle on Sunday.

    (ii) A raffle is considered to be operated on the day that the licensee selects the raffle winner.

    (iii) The sheriff shall license a 50/50 game operated for a period of more than 1 day as a raffle.

  (3) A licensee may not allow a child who is under the age of 16 years to:

    (i) operate a game or gaming device for which a license is issued under this subtitle;

    (ii) conduct a game in which a gaming device is operated; or

    (iii) play or participate in a game in which a gaming device is operated.

  (4) The licensee may not pay a fee for the rental of the premises on which a game is conducted to:

    (i) itself;

    (ii) a trustee of the licensee;

    (iii) a committee of the licensee; or

    (iv) an organization with the same members or substantially the same members as the licensee.

(g) The sheriff shall charge each applicant:

  (1) a license fee of $1 for each day for which a license is issued; and

  (2) the following additional amounts:

    (i) except as provided in items (ii) through (v) of this item, $1 for each gaming device to be operated each day;

    (ii) $1 for each day that a pull tab or instant bingo device is to be sold;

    (iii) $1 for each day that a bingo event is to be conducted;

    (iv) $1 for each day that a bingo special event is to be conducted; and

    (v) $1 for each raffle to be conducted.

#### Section 13-2504

(a)

  (1) In accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection, a principal officer of a licensee shall file a report under oath with the sheriff on the form that the sheriff provides.

  (2)

    (i) A licensee that is issued a license for a period of less than 1 year shall file the report within 15 days after the date that the license expires.

    (ii) A licensee that is issued a license for a period of 1 year shall file:

      (1) a semiannual report on or before January 31 of the licensing year; and

      (2) an annual report within 30 days after the date that the license expires.

  (3)

    (i) A licensee also shall keep a weekly report in the form that the sheriff requires.

    (ii) The weekly report shall be completed under oath.

    (iii) The weekly report is subject to audit at a reasonable hour by:

      (1) the sheriff;

      (2) the State's Attorney for the county; or

      (3) a representative of the sheriff or the State's Attorney.

(b) The report that a licensee submits to the sheriff shall:

  (1) state whether the authorized activities were conducted:

    (i) on the dates and at the location stated in the application; and

    (ii) by the regular members of the licensee without the assistance of gaming professionals;

  (2) report the amount of the proceeds obtained from the licensed activities;

  (3) report the disbursements made in connection with the licensed activities; and

  (4) state that the licensee has not paid a fee for the rental of premises on which the game was conducted to:

    (i) itself;

    (ii) a trustee of the licensee;

    (iii) a committee of the licensee; or

    (iv) any organization with the same members or substantially the same members as the licensee.

#### Section 13-2505

(a)

  (1) There is a Gaming Advisory Committee in the county.

  (2) The members of the committee are appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the sheriff.

  (3) The members of the committee may not receive compensation.

(b) The committee shall:

  (1) recommend to the sheriff standards for reporting requirements for licensees;

  (2) examine the audits and reports required under Sec. 13-2504 of this subtitle; and

  (3) make any other recommendations to assist the sheriff in the administration of licensing and other duties of the sheriff under this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2506

(a)

  (1) The sheriff shall suspend a license if the licensee fails to comply with the reporting requirements of Sec. 13-2504 of this subtitle.

  (2) The suspension shall continue until the licensee meets the reporting requirements of Sec. 13-2504 of this subtitle.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section and subject to the procedures provided in subsection (c) of this section, the sheriff may not issue a new license for 1 year to a licensee that:

  (1) has refused to file a report required under Sec. 13-2504 of this subtitle; or

  (2) has failed to comply with this subtitle.

(c)

  (1) The sheriff shall notify the licensee or applicant for a license by registered mail of the sheriff's suspension or refusal to issue a license.

  (2) The licensee or applicant may appeal the decision in writing to the sheriff within 30 days after receiving the notice from the sheriff.

#### Section 13-2507

A party may seek judicial review of:

(1) the sheriff's suspension of a license under this subtitle; or

(2) the sheriff's refusal to issue a license under this subtitle.

#### Section 13-2508

This subtitle shall be enforced by:

(1) the sheriff;

(2) any municipal police officer in the county;

(3) any other law enforcement officer of the county; and

(4) any prosecutor of the county.

### Subtitle 26. Worcester County

#### Section 13-2601

In this subtitle, "county commissioners" means the Board of County Commissioners of Worcester County.

#### Section 13-2602

This subtitle applies only in Worcester County.

#### Section 13-2605

In this part, "Department" means the Worcester County Department of Development Review and Permitting.

#### Section 13-2606

The following organizations may conduct bingo in accordance with this part:

(1) a bona fide religious organization that has conducted religious services at a fixed location in the county for at least 6 years before applying for a license under this part;

(2) a municipal corporation in the county;

(3) a volunteer fire company in the county;

(4) a local unit of a nationwide bona fide nonprofit organization or club that consists solely of members who served in the armed forces of the United States; or

(5) a nonprofit organization that:

  (i) intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable or educational purpose that is specifically described in the license application filed with the Department; and

  (ii) has operated as a nonprofit organization in the county for at least 5 years before applying for a license under this part.

#### Section 13-2607

(a) The Department may adopt reasonable regulations to administer and enforce this part.

(b) A copy of the regulations adopted by the Department shall be made available at a reasonable cost.

#### Section 13-2608

(a)

  (1) The Department shall exercise control and supervision over all games of bingo to ensure that the games are conducted fairly in accordance with the provisions of the licenses issued under Sec. 13-2609 of this subtitle, the regulations adopted by the Department, and this part.

  (2) The Department shall prevent bingo from being conducted for a commercial purpose, for private profit, or in any manner other than as provided in this part.

(b) For purposes of inspection, the Department and its inspectors may enter at any time any place where:

  (1) bingo is being or will be conducted; or

  (2) any equipment that is being or will be used to conduct bingo is located.

#### Section 13-2609

(a) An organization or municipal corporation described in Sec. 13-2606 of this subtitle that intends to conduct bingo under this part must obtain:

  (1) an annual license to conduct bingo for more than 15 days in a year; or

  (2) a temporary license to conduct bingo for 15 days or fewer in a year.

(b)

  (1) An applicant for a license shall submit to the Department an application on the form that the Department by regulation requires.

  (2) The application form shall require:

    (i) the name of the applicant;

    (ii) the name of each principal officer of the applicant; and

    (iii) a certification that no person will conduct bingo except a person who:

      (1) is a salaried employee or bona fide member of the applicant; and

      (2) shall not receive any form of commission or bonus.

(c)

  (1) An applicant shall pay to the Department a license fee of:

    (i) $100 for an annual license; or

    (ii) $25 in addition to $5 for each day bingo is conducted for a temporary license.

  (2) The Department shall pay to the county commissioners all license fees collected under this part.

(d) The Department shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this part and the regulations adopted under this part.

(e) If an applicant conducts bingo on premises that are leased by the applicant, the lease agreement must be approved by the Department before a license may be issued.

(f) The Department may deny a license to an applicant or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee has violated this part or any regulation adopted under this part.

#### Section 13-2610

(a) The charge for admission to a place in order to participate in bingo conducted under this part may not exceed $5.

(b)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the value of a prize in money, merchandise, or services for any one game of bingo conducted under this part may not exceed $200.

  (2) Jackpot prizes may be offered in a maximum amount of $5,000.

  (3) "Winner Take All" games may be offered without a prize limit.

(c) A licensee's employees and the terms of their employment must be approved by the Department before they may conduct bingo under this part.

(d) A minor may not be allowed to participate in bingo conducted under this part.

(e) Bingo may not be conducted under this part in a room or area where alcoholic beverages are sold or served during the game.

(f) A licensee under this part may not conduct bingo on more than 125 days in a year.

#### Section 13-2611

Unless otherwise prohibited by county or municipal law, all forms of advertising for bingo are allowed.

#### Section 13-2612

(a) Each licensee under this part shall submit to the Department, at monthly intervals or at any other interval that the Department sets, a statement of its gross receipts and expenses.

(b) For each game of bingo conducted by the licensee, the statement shall include:

  (1) the amount of gross receipts derived from the game;

  (2) each item of expense incurred in the conduct of the game;

  (3) each item of expenditure made in connection with the game; and

  (4) the net profit derived from the conduct of the game.

#### Section 13-2613

(a)

  (1) Each licensee shall pay to the county commissioners 3% of the gross receipts derived from bingo for each day that bingo is conducted by the licensee under this part.

  (2) The licensee shall pay the money at the time the licensee submits to the Department the statement required under Sec. 13-2612 of this subtitle.

(b)

  (1) An organization described in Sec. 13-2606(5) of this subtitle may retain up to one-half of the proceeds derived from bingo conducted under this part for the benefit of the organization.

  (2) The organization shall distribute any remaining proceeds for educational or charitable purposes.

(c) If bingo is conducted in a municipal corporation in the county, the county commissioners shall pay one-third of the 3% of the gross receipts received under subsection (a) of this section to the municipal corporation, to be used for its general purposes.

(d)

  (1) From the percentage of the gross receipts retained by the county commissioners, the county commissioners shall first pay the expenses necessary to administer this part.

  (2) All additional funds shall be credited by the county commissioners to the general funds of the county.

#### Section 13-2614

(a) Each licensee under this part shall maintain the books and reports that the Department requires for the purposes of this part.

(b) The Department shall submit to the county commissioners a detailed annual report of all statements submitted to the Department.

#### Section 13-2615

(a)

  (1) A licensee may not:

    (i) divert or pay out any of the proceeds of bingo conducted under this part in any manner other than as required by this part or by the regulations adopted under this part; or

    (ii) violate any other provision of this part.

  (2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 for each violation.

(b)

  (1) A person may not receive any of the proceeds of bingo conducted under this part except for the purposes provided in this part.

  (2) A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

#### Section 13-2619

(a) In this part the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b)

  (1) "Gaming device" means a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, chance book, raffle, or any other mechanism for playing a game of chance.

  (2) "Gaming device" does not include bingo.

(c) "Multiple gaming device permit" means a permit that allows the use of two or more gaming devices.

(d) "Raffle" means a lottery using paper chances in which prizes are won by persons who buy chances in the lottery.

#### Section 13-2620

This part does not authorize gambling using a slot machine or coin machine.

#### Section 13-2621

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

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

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

#### Section 13-2622

The county commissioners may:

(1) adopt regulations concerning the permit application and the issuance of permits under this part;

(2) set a fee by resolution for each kind of permit issued under this part;

(3) regulate the number of permits issued to organizations each year; and

(4) deny a permit to an organization for up to 3 years if the organization violates this part or the regulations adopted under this part.

#### Section 13-2623

(a) The county commissioners may not issue more than two multiple gaming device permits to an organization in any 1 year.

(b) The county commissioners may not issue:

  (1) more than eight multiple gaming device permits for fundraisers to be held in any one facility in any 1 year; or

  (2) more than three multiple gaming device permits for fundraisers to be held in any one facility in any 27-day period.

(c) A multiple gaming device permit issued under this part is valid for only one fundraiser lasting not more than 6 hours.

(d) The county commissioners may not issue a multiple gaming device permit for use in Ocean City or on real property that is owned by Ocean City and located in the county.

(e) The county commissioners may not issue a multiple gaming device permit to hold a fundraiser on premises that are licensed under a Class B or Class D alcoholic beverages license.

#### Section 13-2624

At least one-half of the funds derived from a fundraiser for which a multiple gaming device permit has been issued under this part shall be used for a civic, charitable, or educational purpose.

#### Section 13-2625

(a) A raffle conducted under a permit issued under this part may not last more than 1 year from the date the permit is issued to the date the last prize is awarded.

(b) The county commissioners may regulate the number of permits to conduct a raffle that an organization may receive in a year.

(c) A raffle is not a multiple gaming device.

#### Section 13-2626

(a)

  (1)

    (i) A fundraiser conducted under this part shall be managed and operated only by members of the organization that receives the permit for the fundraiser.

    (ii) A person may not be compensated for the management or operation of any gaming activity authorized by the permit.

  (2) Each organization that receives a permit for a fundraiser under this part shall designate an individual who is responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of the permit and this part.

(b) An organization that receives a permit for a fundraiser under this part shall conduct the fundraiser in:

  (1) a structure that is owned, leased, or occupied by the organization;

  (2) a structure that is owned, leased, or occupied by an organization that would qualify for a permit under Sec. 13-2621 of this subtitle; or

  (3) a public location that is described in the permit application and approved by the State's Attorney for the county.

#### Section 13-2627

Within 30 days after a fundraiser conducted under this part, the organization that received the permit for the fundraiser shall submit to the county commissioners:

(1) an accounting of all funds received or pledged;

(2) an accounting of all expenses paid or incurred; and

(3) a statement under oath of the application of the net profits.

#### Section 13-2628

(a) A person who violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

(b) Each day on which a violation of this part occurs is a separate violation.

---

Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)