2013 Maryland Code
BUSINESS REGULATION
§ 11-825 - Satellite simulcast facilities

§11-825.

(a) A satellite simulcast facility:

(1) shall be in premises owned or leased by a permit holder;

(2) may not be within a 35-mile radius of any mile thoroughbred track or harness track unless approved by the track licensee, the group that represents a majority of the applicable owners and trainers licensed in the State and the group that represents a majority of the applicable breeders in the State, considered separately;

(3) unless the track agrees otherwise, may not operate during hours on those days that racing with pari-mutuel betting is permitted at a racetrack located in this State within a 35-mile radius of the satellite simulcast facility; and

(4) shall offer pari-mutuel betting facilities and amenities that the Commission finds are:

(i) comparable to those available in the sports palace facilities of the mile thoroughbred racing licensees including:

1. high quality dining, lounge, and seating areas that are of a manner generally found in fine restaurants; and

2. teletheatre screen capacity; and

(ii) appropriate for the area where the satellite simulcast facility is located.

(b) A mile thoroughbred racing licensee or a harness racing licensee shall own or lease the pari-mutuel betting equipment at a satellite simulcast facility and shall, with its employees, operate the equipment.

(c) A mile thoroughbred racing licensee or a harness racing licensee shall submit to the Commission all contracts and agreements relating to satellite simulcast betting under this subtitle.

(d) (1) The Commission shall periodically be assured by permit holders that facilities continue to meet the requirements of this section.

(2) (i) The Commission shall inspect satellite simulcast facilities at least four times each year to determine if the permit holders are continuing to comply with the provisions of this section.

(ii) The inspections under this subsection shall include evaluations of the financial and physical conditions of each satellite simulcast facility.

(3) If the Commission finds that a permit holder is not complying with the provisions of this section, the Commission may impose a penalty on the permit holder similar to those penalties levied on licensees as provided under § 11-308 of this title.