(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Criminal Law Article, an individual who is at least 21 years old may conduct a home game involving wagering if the home game:
(1) except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, is limited to mah jong or a card game;
(2) is conducted not more than once a week:
(i) in the place of residence of an individual who may also participate as a player in the home game; or
(ii) in a common area of a residential property that is restricted to residents who are at least 55 years old;
(3) allows a player to compete directly against one or more other players who share a preexisting social relationship;
(4) does not allow an individual to benefit financially in any way, directly or indirectly, other than from the winnings accrued by participating as a player in the game;
(5) does not involve:
(i) a player’s use of an electronic device that connects to the Internet;
(ii) the use of paid public advertising or promotions;
(iii) the charging of a fee for admission, a seat, entertainment, or food and drink or any other fee; or
(iv) the use of any money except money used for wagering; and
(6) has a limit of $1,000 on the total amount of money, tokens representing money, or any other thing or consideration of value that may be wagered by all players during any 24–hour period.
(b) In Carroll County, a home game authorized under subsection (a) of this section may include bingo if it is conducted in a common area of a residential property that is restricted to residents who are at least 55 years old.
Structure Maryland Statutes