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

This subtitle applies only in Dorchester County. Subtitle 2 of this title applies in Dorchester County.

A person must have a license for each day that the person conducts bingo unless the bingo is conducted in a licensed gaming event. 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. To qualify for a license to conduct bingo, an applicant shall be 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; tax-supported volunteer fire company or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with the fire company; nationally chartered veterans’ organization or an auxiliary unit whose members are directly associated with the organization; or nonprofit organization that: intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose that is described in the application for a license; and has operated in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a license. An application for a license to conduct bingo shall contain a certification, by a principal officer of the applicant, stating: the time and place of the activities for which the license is sought; 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 that no compensation or reward will be paid to any person for conducting or assisting in the conducting of the bingo.

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

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

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

The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall collect $5 for a license for a raffle or carnival. 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. Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a 1-day bingo license is required for each day a bingo game is conducted. The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall collect $1 for a 1-day bingo license. A 1-day bingo license is not required for bingo conducted at a licensed carnival or under an annual bingo license.