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Can I offer contests that involve skill-based games in Maryland? What are the requirements?

Based on the documents provided, it is possible to offer contests that involve skill-based games in Maryland, but there are certain requirements that must be met.

Requirements for Offering Skill-Based Games in Maryland

To offer a skill-based game in Maryland, the game must be approved by the Commission [2.1]. A facility operator that desires to offer a table game or feature that is not already in the standard rules, or to offer a new wager, paytable or other feature as part of a table game that has been approved by the Commission, shall submit a written request to the Commission [2.1]. The request must contain a detailed description of the table game or new feature, including the rules of play and wagering for the new table game or feature [2.1]. The facility operator must also provide the true odds, the payout odds, and the house advantage for each wager [2.1]. In addition, the facility operator must provide a sketch or picture of the game layout, if any, and sketches, pictures, or samples of the equipment used to play the game [2.1]. The Commission may also require the manufacturer to submit a prototype of the device for testing [3.1].

A licensee may not compete in or be associated with any contest held in Maryland that has not been sanctioned by the Commission [1.1]. Violation of this regulation may result in disciplinary action against any licensees connected with the contest [1.1].

A family entertainment center in Worcester County may apply for an amusement gaming license with the Commission if the family entertainment center meets certain requirements [3.1]. The family entertainment center must pay state and local property tax, sales and use tax, and admissions and amusement tax [3.1]. The center must also have a location with a street address and be located in a building that is owned, leased, or occupied by the family entertainment center for the primary purpose of providing amusement devices to the public [3.1]. The center must receive a majority of the gross receipts from amusement, merchandise, redemption, or skills-based devices [3.1]. The center must market its business to families with children and offer attractions such as amusement devices, arcade games, crane games, video games, interactive and sporting games, amusement rides, miniature golf, and bowling [3.1]. Finally, the center must have been in continuous operation in the same geographic location since 1975 [3.1].

An amusement gaming license is valid for 5 years [3.1]. A family entertainment center that holds an amusement gaming license issued under this regulation may not transfer the license to another geographic location [3.1]. A family entertainment center that holds an amusement gaming license may operate up to 10 skills-based amusement devices that award noncash merchandise or prizes with a wholesale value that is more than $30 but less than $600 [3.1].

Conclusion

To offer contests that involve skill-based games in Maryland, the game must be approved by the Commission. A facility operator must submit a written request to the Commission that contains a detailed description of the table game or new feature, including the rules of play and wagering for the new table game or feature. The facility operator must also provide the true odds, the payout odds, and the house advantage for each wager. In addition, the facility operator must provide a sketch or picture of the game layout, if any, and sketches, pictures, or samples of the equipment used to play the game. A family entertainment center in Worcester County may apply for an amusement gaming license with the Commission if the center meets certain requirements. The center must pay state and local property tax, sales and use tax, and admissions and amusement tax. The center must also have a location with a street address and be located in a building that is owned, leased, or occupied by the family entertainment center for the primary purpose of providing amusement devices to the public. The center must receive a majority of the gross receipts from amusement, merchandise, redemption, or skills-based devices. The center must market its business to families with children and offer attractions such as amusement devices, arcade games, crane games, video games, interactive and sporting games, amusement rides, miniature golf, and bowling. Finally, the center must have been in continuous operation in the same geographic location since 1975.

Source(s):
Jurisdiction

Maryland