Bill > HB610

This bill requires any "qualified organization," which includes volunteer fire companies and certain religious, fraternal, civic, war veterans', or charitable organizations, to obtain a gaming permit before operating a "gaming device" in St. Mary's County. A gaming device is defined as any mechanism for playing a game of chance, such as a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, or bingo machine, but specifically excludes slot machines. The County Commissioners of St. Mary's County are authorized to create regulations to manage and enforce this new permit requirement, and they must appoint a specific person to handle the issuance of these gaming permits. This change is intended to provide a framework for gaming activities conducted by these organizations within the county.