1. (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. (1) except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, is limited to mah jong or a card game;

   2. (2) is conducted not more than once a week:

      1. (i) in the place of residence of an individual who may also participate as a player in the home game; or
      2. (ii) in a common area of a residential property that is restricted to residents who are at least 55 years old;
   3. (3) allows a player to compete directly against one or more other players who share a preexisting social relationship;
   4. (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. (5) does not involve:

      1. (i) a player's use of an electronic device that connects to the Internet;
      2. (ii) the use of paid public advertising or promotions;
      3. (iii) the charging of a fee for admission, a seat, entertainment, or food and drink or any other fee; or
      4. (iv) the use of any money except money used for wagering; and
   6. (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.
2. (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.

Added by Acts 2016, c. 613, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016. Amended by Acts 2019, c. 187, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2019.