In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Casino event” means any event that involves a card game, dice game, or roulette game. “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. “Gaming event” means a carnival, bazaar, raffle, or other organized gaming event.

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

“Qualified member” means a person who: obtained a membership in an organization in accordance with the charter and bylaws of the organization; and has been a member for at least 12 months immediately before the gaming event. A gaming device that is used at a gaming event shall be operated: by qualified members of the organization or qualified members of other organizations allowed to operate gaming devices under this section; and without the assistance of professional gaming device operators. A person may not receive compensation from an organization for managing or operating a gaming device at a gaming event. 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. 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: an accounting of all funds received; and 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. This section may not be construed to: 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 amend or apply to the laws pertaining to raffles in the county under § 13-405 of this subtitle.

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

In this section, “permit” means a permit to conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event. 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. To qualify for a permit, an organization shall be: a nonprofit foundation that provides support to the work and people of Fort George G. Meade; or a chamber of commerce located within Anne Arundel County. A card game, card tournament, or casino event may be: managed and operated by the organization that is the permit holder; or managed by the organization that is the permit holder and operated by another organization listed in subsection (c) of this section. An operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event may not receive compensation. To volunteer as an operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 18 years old. To participate in a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 21 years old. An organization that is the permit holder may receive not more than one permit in a calendar year. A permit is not transferable. Proceeds from a card game, card tournament, or casino event conducted under this section: shall be used to benefit a charity or to further the purpose of the permit holder; and may not be used for the financial benefit or personal use of an individual or a group of individuals. 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. An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a card game, card tournament, or casino event. Participants in a card game, card tournament, or casino event 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 card game, card tournament, or casino event. 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 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. An organization that is the permit holder may not exchange tokens used for wagering for: an item of merchandise that is worth more than $500; 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 that is found to have violated this section is ineligible to receive a permit under this section for a period of 5 years. The County Executive may adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations to govern: the issuing of permits; and the conduct and management of a card game, card tournament, or casino event in a manner to prevent fraud and protect the public. The County Council may adopt regulations to govern permit fees under this section.

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: the raffle is conducted to further the purposes of the organization; and 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. Prizes may be awarded by the use of paddle wheels, wheels of fortune, or chance books.

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 merchandise or money are awarded in a game or spin using a paddle wheel or wheel of fortune. 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.

In this section, “bingo” includes the game of instant bingo. 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: for the benefit of charity in the county; or to further the purposes of the organization.

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