# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 13. Gaming -- Local Provisions

### 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)