In order to conduct gaming aboard a vessel under the provisions of Transportation Article, §6-209, Annotated Code of Maryland, a vessel owner or operator shall obtain a Vessel Gaming Permit from the Maryland Port Administration. The MPA is the sole judge as to whether a Vessel Gaming Permit shall be issued, and once issued, whether a Vessel Gaming Permit shall be withdrawn. Failure to obtain a Vessel Gaming Permit from the MPA prohibits the vessel owner or operator from conducting or allowing any gaming operation on the vessel within the territorial waters of the State. Conducting or allowing a gaming operation on a vessel within the territorial waters of the State without a Vessel Gaming Permit may subject the vessel owner or operator to criminal prosecution under the provisions of Criminal Law Article, §12-105, Annotated Code of Maryland.