Maryland § 13-404.1

§ 13-404.1.

    (a)    In this section, “permit” means a permit to conduct a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

    (b)    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.

    (c)    To qualify for a permit, an organization shall be:

        (1)    a nonprofit foundation that provides support to the work and people of Fort George G. Meade; or

        (2)    a chamber of commerce located within Anne Arundel County.

    (d)    (1)    A card game, card tournament, or casino event may be:

            (i)    managed and operated by the organization that is the permit holder; or

            (ii)    managed by the organization that is the permit holder and operated by another organization listed in subsection (c) of this section.

        (2)    (i)    An operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event may not receive compensation.

            (ii)    To volunteer as an operator of a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 18 years old.

            (iii)    To participate in a card game, card tournament, or casino event, an individual shall be at least 21 years old.

    (e)    An organization that is the permit holder may receive not more than one permit in a calendar year.

    (f)    A permit is not transferable.

    (g)    Proceeds from a card game, card tournament, or casino event conducted under this section:

        (1)    shall be used to benefit a charity or to further the purpose of the permit holder; and

        (2)    may not be used for the financial benefit or personal use of an individual or a group of individuals.

    (h)    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.

    (i)    (1)    An organization that is the permit holder may charge only a preset entrance fee for a card game, card tournament, or casino event.

        (2)    Participants in a card game, card tournament, or casino event shall receive tokens for wagering in exchange for the entrance fee.

        (3)    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.

        (4)    An organization that is the permit holder may not allow cash to be used for wagering.

        (5)    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.

    (j)    An organization that is the permit holder may not exchange tokens used for wagering for:

        (1)    an item of merchandise that is worth more than $500;

        (2)    money; or

        (3)    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.

    (k)    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.

    (l)    The County Executive may adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations to govern:

        (1)    the issuing of permits; and

        (2)    the conduct and management of a card game, card tournament, or casino event in a manner to prevent fraud and protect the public.

    (m)    The County Council may adopt regulations to govern permit fees under this section.