1. (a) Before an organization may conduct bingo under this subtitle, the organization shall obtain a permit from the county commissioners.

2. (b)

   1. (1) In this subsection, “qualified organization” means a bona fide:

      1. (i) religious organization;
      2. (ii) fraternal organization;
      3. (iii) patriotic organization;
      4. (iv) educational organization;
      5. (v) charitable organization;
      6. (vi) volunteer fire company; or
      7. (vii) senior center site council.
   2. (2) A qualified organization may conduct bingo in the county to benefit charity or to further the purpose of the qualified organization.

3. (c)

   1. (1) A senior center site council may obtain a permit to conduct bingo in a senior center 5 days per week, excluding Sunday.

   2. (2) A senior center site council may not:

      1. (i) award a prize of money to a winner exceeding $50 in each session; or
      2. (ii) charge more than 5 cents for each bingo card.
   3. (3) All money that remains after prizes are awarded shall be distributed to the senior center site council.

4. (d)

   1. (1) An applicant for a permit shall pay the fee that the county commissioners set.
   2. (2) The county commissioners shall set the permit fee at a level sufficient to cover the costs of issuing the permit.

5. (e)

   1. (1) Only the holder of a permit issued under this section may conduct bingo authorized by the permit.
   2. (2) The holder of a permit issued under this section may not transfer or assign the right to conduct bingo to another person.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002. Amended by Acts 2006, c. 196, § 1, eff. July 1, 2006; Acts 2007, c. 273, § 1, eff. June 1, 2007.

Formerly Art. 27, § 248A.