<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<chapter num="04" heading="General Standards" title_num="36" subtitle_num="08">
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".01" heading="General Standards.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>A skills-based amusement device is not legally operated if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Unless authorized under COMAR 36.08.03, the merchandise, prizes, tickets, tokens, or other objects awarded exceeds the minimal value;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>The device awards a cash prize or a prize that is readily convertible to cash;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>The outcome of the game is based on a preponderance of chance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(4)">
        <text>The ability of any player to succeed at the game is impacted by the number or ratio of prior wins to prior losses of that device;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(5)">
        <text>The outcome of the game can be controlled by a source other than the player of the game;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(6)">
        <text>The success of any player is or may be determined by a chance event which cannot be altered by player actions;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(7)">
        <text>The ability of a player to succeed at the game is impacted by game features not visible or known to a reasonable player; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(8)">
        <text>The ability of a player to succeed at the game is impacted by the exercise of skill that no reasonable player could exercise.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>The individual merchandise, prizes, tickets, tokens, or other objects that are awarded by a skill-based amusement device may:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Have a wholesale value that does not exceed the minimal value; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Be accumulated and exchanged for non-cash merchandise or prizes that do not exceed $599.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>If a registered skills-based device owner offers a device described in §A of this regulation, the Commission may take enforcement action as provided in Regulation .03 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" heading="Testing.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>The Commission may require testing of a prototype of a skills-based amusement device for:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Overall operational integrity;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Compliance with this subtitle; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Any other function that the Commission determines may be necessary to validate the proper functionality and performance of the device.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>The Commission may accept testing by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Commission staff; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>A testing facility recognized by the Commission.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>The costs of testing required under this chapter shall be the responsibility of the licensee.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".03" heading="Enforcement Action.">
    <paragraph num="A.">
      <text>The Commission may take an enforcement action if a registered skills-based amusement device owner fails to comply with this subtitle.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="B.">
      <text>The Commission may:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Suspend a registered skills-based amusement device owner’s registration;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Determine that the registered skills-based amusement device owner is no longer qualified to offer skills-based amusement devices in Maryland; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Disqualify the registered skills-based device owner from qualification for any other license, registration, or certification from the Commission.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="C.">
      <text>A skills-based amusement device owner whose registration is suspended or found no longer qualified to offer skills-based amusement devices in Maryland shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(1)">
        <text>Remove its skills-based amusement devices from locations in Maryland;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(2)">
        <text>Cease offering skills-based amusement devices in Maryland; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(3)">
        <text>Take such action required by the Commission to come in compliance with this subtitle.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </regulation>
  <annotations>
    <annotation type="Authority">Criminal Law Article, §§12-301 and 12-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Effective date: January 1, 2017 (43:23 Md. R. 1281)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01 amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 657)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation .01B amended effective April 27, 2026 (53:8 Md. R. 356)</annotation>
    <annotation type="History" subtype="Administrative History">Regulation.03 adopted effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 657)</annotation>
  </annotations>
</chapter>