Article 12 of the Maryland Code states that unlicensed betting, betting or gambling is illegal within the state`s borders. Unlike other states, Maryland does not have separate penalties for players and operators. However, local regulations do not apply specifically to online gambling and the state has never tried to prosecute people who engage in real money gambling on offshore websites. Since most of these gambling sites accept Maryland residents, many people believe that online gambling is not prohibited by current regulations. However, if you have any doubts about signing up for a particular website, we recommend that you contact a local lawyer first, as the penalties for violating the law are quite severe. CREATIVE SERVICES In 2001, Creative Services was established as the Creative Services Division. In June 2005, it merged with the Product Development Department and the Research and Planning Department to form the Product Development, Creative Services and Research Department. In January 2008 it was renamed the Department of Product Development, Creative Services and Communication and in 2009 it was renamed the Department of Creative Product Services and Communication. In July 2011, it merged with the sales division to form the lottery division. In 2015, the marketing department reappeared as a separate department and oversaw the creative services, which were under the sales and marketing division in November 2021. As part of the Sales and Marketing division, Creative Services develops advertising strategies to achieve the revenue and revenue targets of the National Agency for the Control of Lotteries and Games.

Creative Services evaluates the effectiveness of advertising in terms of reach, frequency, and impact on the audience. Promotional time and space for jackpot announcements, product launches, promotions and winner awareness are purchased in this section. In order to inform consumers about products, promotions and lottery programs, the department manages the development and production of promotional materials for television, radio and print media, as well as in retail stores. Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies Maryland Departments Maryland Independent Agencies Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards Maryland Universities & Colleges Maryland Counties Maryland Municipalities Maryland at a Glance Maryland Manual On-Line Search the Manual e-mail: mdmanual@maryland.gov MARYLAND AMUSEMENT GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE In June 2014, the Maryland Amusement Game Advisory Committee was appointed by the General Assembly (Chapter 464, Laws of 2014). The committee advises the National Commission for the Control of Lotteries and Gambling on the conduct and technical aspects of the entertainment gaming industry, including recommendations on the legality of games of skill. Seven members make up the committee. Six of the members appointed by the Governor are members with the right to vote. The Director of the National Agency for the Control of Lotteries and Games of Chance is an ex officio member without the right to vote.

The Governor appoints the President (Article 12-301.1 of the Penal Code). Maryland lawmakers are currently working on a sports betting law introduced by Jason Buckel and Kevin Hornberger. The new legislation would allow Maryland Lottery to conduct sports betting through horse racing licensees and VLT operators. However, legal experts have pointed out that the issue may have to appear on the ballot for a referendum vote before it can go into effect. (ii) $1 for each day that an instant bingo machine or instant bingo machine is to be sold; Four out of six casinos in Maryland operate their own poker rooms. These casinos are Maryland Live! (52 tables), MGM National Harbor (39 tables), Horseshoe Casino Baltimore (25 tables) and Hollywood Casino Perryville (8 tables). Most of the action revolves around No-Limit Hold `em, but there`s a lot of variety when it comes to tournament play. Also Maryland Live! is an annual stop on the World Poker Tour. The state of Old Line does not have a regulated internet poker market. Playing on an offshore field is illegal. Home poker games were legalized in 2016. At one point, the penalty for illegal gambling as a player was quite severe, as the conviction for the related offense resulted in a maximum sentence of 12 months in prison and a hefty fine.

In April 2019, Maryland lawmakers updated the regulations — under the new rules, anyone caught placing an illegal bet could be subject to a quote of $500 to $1,000, depending on the amount of money at stake. Note: State laws can always change through the passage of new laws, decisions of higher courts (including federal decisions), voting initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most up-to-date information available, please consult a lawyer or conduct your own legal research to review the state laws you have studied. The first races at the Pimlico Racecourse were held in the 1740s, and the industry was allowed to operate without special regulations until 1870. Nonprofit bingo was legalized in 1952, and in 1973, Maryland residents voted to create a state lottery. GAMING Under Gaming are three entities: Audit and Regulatory Compliance; operation of the game; and responsible gambling. AUDIT & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Audit and Regulatory Compliance was established in July 2011 as Casino Auditing under the Gaming division. It was renamed Audit and Regulatory Compliance in September 2014 and Audit and Regulatory Compliance in 2017. To ensure the integrity of casino games in Maryland, Audit and Regulatory Compliance collects and reviews operating forms, financial reports, and statistical and performance data. It applies auditing standards to recognize and protect assets and ensure that casino operations, financial condition and cash flows are accurately reflected. To monitor compliance with internal control systems, Audit and Regulatory Compliance also monitors field audits of casinos across the state.

GAMING OPERATIONS Under the Gaming Division, Gaming Operations was organized in July 2011 as Video Lottery Terminal Operations, which was renamed Electronic Gaming Device Operations in January 2014 and received its current name in November 2015. Gaming Operations manages the planning of the casino opening project. This includes monitoring the purchase, installation, testing, maintenance, and compliance with state slot machine specifications. To ensure maximum revenue generation for the state, the unit works with casino facilities to determine an appropriate mix of slot types on the gaming floor. In the case of casinos, the unit checks the performance of the slot machines and tries to ensure that the facilities meet the requirements for opening and continuing operations. It also monitors slot conversions, moves, or changes. RESPONSIBLE GAMING Responsible gaming was created in July 2011 as a unit of the Gaming Division. For people suffering from pathological or problematic gambling, the unit provides education and connections to national resources to combat the problems through the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling.

Launched in 2010, the Voluntary Exclusion Program is managed by responsible gambling. People who wish to deny access to Maryland casinos will be barred from entering an establishment, cashing checks or using credit cards. Participants will also be removed from all casino mailing lists and will not be eligible for free promotions, credits or casino services.