2013 Maryland Code
CRIMINAL LAW
§ 13-507 - Bingo -- In general

§13-507.

(a) This section and § 13-509 of this subtitle also apply to games of instant bingo.

(b) Before an organization listed in subsection (c) or (d) of this section may conduct bingo in Baltimore City, the organization shall obtain a permit to do so from the commissioner.

(c) An organization that meets the conditions of subsection (i)(1) of this section may conduct bingo in Baltimore City if the organization is a bona fide:

(1) religious organization;

(2) fraternal organization;

(3) patriotic organization;

(4) educational organization; or

(5) charitable organization.

(d) An organization that meets the conditions of subsection (i)(2) of this section may conduct bingo in Baltimore City if the organization is:

(1) devoted exclusively to religious, charitable, or educational purposes;

(2) a service organization;

(3) a fraternal organization; or

(4) a veterans’ organization.

(e) (1) Before the commissioner may issue a permit, the commissioner shall review the character of the organization applying for the permit to ascertain that the organization meets the requirements of this section.

(2) The organization applying for the permit shall pay the permit fee set in subsection (g) of this section.

(3) An application for a permit and the action taken by the commissioner on that application are public records.

(f) The commissioner may issue a permit for:

(1) 1 day; or

(2) a period exceeding 1 day and not exceeding 12 months.

(g) Except as allowed under subsection (h)(1) of this section, the commissioner shall collect from each permit holder, to cover the costs of administering the Baltimore City bingo laws, a permit fee not exceeding:

(1) $10 for each day on which bingo may be conducted;

(2) $750 for a 3-month period; or

(3) $3,000 for a 12-month period.

(h) (1) The commissioner may collect a special annual permit fee of $5 for a nonprofit organization or nonprofit corporation to conduct, over 1 year, a number of bingo games for which, for each game:

(i) the value of any prize of merchandise or money is not more than $5; and

(ii) not more than 100 individuals play.

(2) The commissioner may revoke a special annual permit for cause.

(i) (1) An organization conducting bingo in Baltimore City under subsection (c) of this section:

(i) except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, may not offer or award, in any game:

1. a money prize of more than $45; or

2. a prize of merchandise worth more than $45; and

(ii) after reimbursing any costs incurred in conducting bingo for personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses, shall use the entire proceeds for:

1. charitable purposes; or

2. to further the purposes of an organization listed in subsection (c) of this section.

(2) An organization conducting bingo in Baltimore City under subsection (d) of this section:

(i) may not use the net proceeds to benefit a stockholder or member of the organization;

(ii) after reimbursing any costs incurred in conducting bingo for personnel, supplies, equipment, and other expenses, shall use the net proceeds:

1. solely for charitable purposes; or

2. to further the purposes of an organization listed in subsection (d) of this section; and

(iii) shall limit prizes of money or merchandise to a value not exceeding:

1. $5,000 for the total of all prizes;

2. $75 for the total of all door prizes;

3. $45 for each of not more than five early bird games;

4. $75 for each of not more than 19 regular games;

5. $150 for the starting prize of one regular game with a jackpot, with nightly increases not exceeding $75 and a consolation prize not exceeding $75;

6. $150 for each of not more than four regular special games;

7. 50% of the proceeds for each of not more than four split-the-pot games;

8. 100% of the proceeds for not more than one winner-take-all game;

9. $3,000 for a jackpot game which starts at 50 numbers and adds one number every second night;

10. if the jackpot is not won, $375 for a consolation prize for any jackpot game;

11. $300 for the first jackpot game in a buildup jackpot game which starts at $300 and 50 numbers and adds one number and $75 each night; and

12. if the jackpot is not won, $225 for the consolation prize for any buildup jackpot game.

(3) A bingo permit holder issued a permit under either subsection (c) or (d) of this section may not conduct bingo:

(i) in a restaurant or tavern where alcoholic beverages are sold;

(ii) in a permanent place of amusement or entertainment; or

(iii) on Sunday, except by a bona fide religious organization that conducts bingo on property owned or leased by the organization.