In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Bingo”: includes instant bingo; but does not include members-only instant bingo. “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. “Gaming event” means bingo, members-only instant bingo, a raffle, or a paddle wheel. “Members-only instant bingo” means an instant bingo game that is limited to members and guests of an organization listed in § 13-1503(b) of this subtitle. “Sheriff” means the Sheriff of Harford County.

This subtitle applies only in Harford County. This subtitle does not authorize the use of a slot machine or any type of coin machine for gambling purposes.

Before an organization conducts a gaming event under this subtitle, the organization shall obtain a license from the sheriff. The following organizations may obtain a license to conduct a gaming event: 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; a State-chartered organization authorized by a nationally chartered veterans organization; a tax-supported volunteer fire company; or 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. An application for a license shall contain a certification by a principal officer of the organization that states: the scheduled time and place of the gaming event and the date of any raffle drawing; 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; that all money prizes offered will comply with the limits listed in this subtitle; 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 § 13-1509 of this subtitle; and 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. The sheriff shall charge the following license fees: $5 for a bingo license; $10 for a paddle wheel license; $10 for a raffle license; $10 for a 50/50 license; and $15 for a members–only instant bingo license. 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: who do not regularly conduct gaming activities for any other organization; and without the assistance of gaming professionals.

The sheriff may not issue to a single organization in 1 calendar year more than 52 bingo licenses. 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. A license to conduct bingo is valid: for 24 consecutive hours; or 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. A money prize for a bingo game may not exceed: $500; or $1,000 for a jackpot. An instant bingo game may be sold and played only at the location listed on the license. A minor may not sell or play instant bingo. A license to operate a paddle wheel shall also operate as a license to conduct bingo, if authorized by the sheriff on request.

A members-only instant bingo license is valid for 3 months. The sheriff may not issue to a single organization in 1 calendar year more than four licenses for members-only instant bingo. A money prize for a members–only instant bingo game may not exceed $500. A members-only instant bingo game may be sold and played only at the location listed on the license.

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. All raffle drawings shall be conducted in 1 calendar day. A raffle license is valid until all raffles are drawn. A raffle license shall state the day for the drawing or drawings. A money prize for a raffle may not exceed: $10,000 if the sponsoring organization has not held a raffle for a money prize exceeding $1,000 in the current calendar year; or $1,000 if the sponsoring organization has held a raffle for a money prize exceeding $1,000 in the current calendar year. An organization that intends to conduct a raffle for a money prize exceeding $1,000 shall: post a bond in the amount of the money prize; or obtain an irrevocable letter of credit from a bank in the amount of the money prize.

The sheriff may not issue to a single organization in 1 calendar year more than 12 licenses for paddle wheels. 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. A license to operate paddle wheels is valid: for 24 consecutive hours; or 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. A money prize for a paddle wheel game may not exceed $10. A license to operate a paddle wheel shall also operate as a license to conduct bingo, if authorized by the sheriff on request.

An organization listed in § 13–1503(b) of this subtitle may conduct a game of 50/50: without a 50/50 license, at a meeting of the organization; or with a 50/50 license, at an event other than a meeting of the organization. A money prize for a game of 50/50 may not exceed $500. A minor may not participate in a game of 50/50.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, a political committee, as defined in § 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. 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.

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: 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; that money prizes were not offered, except as authorized under this subtitle; and the amount and disposition of the cash proceeds of the activities authorized by the license.

An organization may not conduct a gaming event unless the organization has acquired the appropriate license. An organization shall obey the terms of a license. Each person who signed an application for a license shall obey the terms of the license. A person shall file the report required under § 13-1509 of this subtitle. 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. 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.

An organization that fails to file a report required by § 13-1509 of this subtitle is not entitled to a license under this subtitle until the later of: 1 year after the date the report is due; or the day the report is filed properly. 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.

In this section, “gaming contest” means an event that involves a card game, a dice game, or roulette. An organization shall be issued a permit from the Sheriff of Harford County before the organization may conduct a gaming contest in Harford County. An organization is eligible to be issued a permit if the organization qualifies as a nonprofit organization under § 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. To be issued a permit, an organization shall: submit an application to the sheriff on a form that the sheriff requires; state on the application form the purpose for which the proceeds of the gaming contest will be used; and pay the permit fee that the sheriff determines. A holder of a permit may not conduct more than four gaming contests in a calendar year. A permit is not transferable. A gaming contest may be held only: between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. the following day; and in a structure or at a location that is owned, rented, or leased by the holder of the permit. A separate permit is required for each gaming contest. 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. A gaming contest may not consist exclusively of a game specified in subparagraph (i) of this paragraph. An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a gaming contest. Participants in a gaming contest shall receive tokens for wagering in exchange for the entrance fee. A participant may purchase additional tokens, at a total cost not exceeding 100% of the entrance fee, during a gaming contest. An organization that is the permit holder may not allow cash to be used for wagering. 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. An organization that is the permit holder may not exchange tokens used for wagering for: an item of merchandise that is worth more than $10,000; money; or 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. 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. A gaming contest shall be managed and operated personally by members of the organization conducting the gaming contest. A member of the organization may not receive or be paid any of the proceeds from the gaming contest for personal use or benefit. 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. A person other than the holder of the permit may not receive or be paid any proceeds. To volunteer as an operator of a gaming contest, an individual shall be at least 18 years old. To participate in a gaming contest, an individual shall be at least 21 years old. 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. 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. 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. 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. The holder of the permit shall keep all financial records of the gaming contest for at least 2 years after the gaming contest. 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. If requested by the sheriff, the holder of the permit shall pay all financial audit costs. The sheriff shall adopt regulations to carry out this section. 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.

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