Maryland § 13-1803
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 13-1803, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13-1803.
(a) (1) A qualified organization may conduct bingo in the county to benefit charity or to further the purpose of the qualified organization.
(2) Bingo shall be conducted only by the qualified organization and not by a person who:
(i) retains a portion of the proceeds from the bingo game; or
(ii) is compensated by the qualified organization for which the bingo is held.
(3) A person may not receive a private profit from the proceeds of bingo.
(4) A qualified organization that conducts bingo shall:
(i) keep accurate records of all transactions that occur on behalf of the bingo game;
(ii) keep the records for 2 years after the bingo game; and
(iii) on request, make the records available for examination by:
1. the State's Attorney for the county;
2. the county sheriff;
3. the county Department of Health and Human Services;
4. the county attorney;
5. the Department of State Police; or
6. a designated officer or agent of any of those units.
(5) A person conducting bingo shall be a resident of the county and a member of the qualified organization.
(6) Alcoholic beverages may not be sold or consumed in the room in which bingo is conducted, either during a game or an intermission between games.
(7) Money prizes not exceeding $1,000 in each game may be awarded in bingo.
(8) The qualified organization may sell breakout tickets in the room in which bingo is conducted, either during a game or an intermission between games.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, a person may conduct bingo at the annual Montgomery County Fair for the benefit of the Montgomery County Agricultural Center, Inc.
(2) A person who conducts bingo under this subsection may award only noncash prizes.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, in Montgomery County, an individual who is at least 55 years old may conduct a bingo game involving cash prizes if the game:
(1) is conducted not more than once a week in a common area of a residential property that is restricted to residents who are at least 55 years old;
(2) allows a player to compete directly against one or more other players who are residents of the residential property where the game is held;
(3) does not allow an individual or an organization to benefit financially in any way, directly or indirectly, other than from the winnings accrued by participating as a player in the game;
(4) does not involve:
(i) a player’s use of an electronic device that connects to the Internet;
(ii) the use of paid public advertising or promotions;
(iii) the charging of a fee for admission, a seat, entertainment, or any other fee; or
(iv) the use of any money, except money used for purchasing bingo cards or food or drink; and
(5) has a limit of $1,000 on the total amount of money, tokens representing money, or any other thing or consideration of value that may be won by all players during any 24–hour period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 13-1803
What does Maryland Code § 13-1803 cover?
Section 13-1803 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 13-1803?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 13-1803" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 13-1803 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.