§ 13-1503. Gaming events

   (a) License required. -- Before an organization conducts a gaming event under this subtitle, the organization shall obtain a license from the sheriff.

(b) Qualified organizations. -- The following organizations may obtain a license to conduct a gaming event:

   (1) a bona fide religious group that has conducted religious services at a fixed location in the county for at least 3 years before applying for a license;

   (2) a State-chartered organization authorized by a nationally chartered veterans organization;

   (3) a tax-supported volunteer fire company; or

   (4) a nonprofit organization that intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose which is specifically described in the application for a license.

(c) Application. -- An application for a license shall contain a certification by a principal officer of the organization that states:

   (1) the scheduled time and place of the gaming event and the date of any raffle drawing;

   (2) that the licensed activities will be managed and conducted solely and personally by the regular members of the organization without the assistance of gaming professionals;

   (3) that all money prizes offered will comply with the limits listed in this subtitle;

   (4) that the organization, by one of its principal officers, shall, within 15 days after the last day named in the application for conducting the licensed activities, file a report under penalties of perjury containing the information required by § 13-1509 of this subtitle; and

   (5) if the organization is a nonprofit organization that intends to raise money for an exclusively charitable, athletic, or educational purpose, a specific description of the purpose.

(d) Fees. -- The sheriff shall charge the following license fees:

   (1) $ 5 for a bingo license;

   (2) $ 10 for a paddle wheel license;

   (3) $ 10 for a raffle license;

   (4) $ 10 for a 50/50 license; and

   (5) $ 15 for a members-only instant bingo license.

(e) Professional involvement prohibited. -- An activity for which a license is issued under this subtitle must be conducted and managed solely and personally by regular members of the organization:

   (1) who do not regularly conduct gaming activities for any other organization; and

   (2) without the assistance of gaming professionals.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 254(b), (c), (d)(1); 2002, ch. 26, § 2; 2009, ch. 374.