1. A. A family entertainment center in Worcester County may apply for an amusement gaming license with the Commission if the family entertainment center:

   1. (1) Pays:

      1. (a) State and local property tax;
      2. (b) Sales and use tax; and
      3. (c) Admissions and amusement tax;
   2. (2) Has a location with a street address;
   3. (3) Is 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;
   4. (4) Receives a majority of the gross receipts from amusement, merchandise, redemption or skills-based devices;
   5. (5) Markets its business to families with children;
   6. (6) Offers attractions such as amusement devices, arcade games, crane games, video games, interactive and sporting games, amusement rides, miniature golf, and bowling; and
   7. (7) Has been in continuous operation in the same geographic location since 1975.

2. B. A family entertainment center applying for an amusement gaming license shall provide in a manner specified by the Commission:

   1. (1) The owner’s name and address;
   2. (2) The family entertainment center address;
   3. (3) Documentation verifying, to the satisfaction of the Commission, conformity with the requirements listed under §A of this regulation; and

   4. (4) A listing of the skills-based amusement devices that award merchandise or prizes with a wholesale value of more than a minimal value but does not exceed $599 including:

      1. (a) Whether the device is a:

         1. (i) Redemption device;
         2. (ii) Merchandiser device; or
         3. (iii) Another type of skills-based amusement device;
      2. (b) Maximum wholesale prize value offered;
      3. (c) Manufacturer;
      4. (d) Model name or number;
      5. (e) Serial Number;
      6. (f) Theme; and
      7. (g) Any additional information required by the Commission.
3. C. An amusement gaming license is valid for 5 years.
4. D. An amusement gaming licensee shall register every other year under COMAR 36.08.02 if the licensee owns any skills-based amusement devices that award prizes other than the award of free play.
5. E. 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 a minimal value but does not exceed $599.

6. F. Upon review of the information provided under §B of this regulation, the Commission may:

   1. (1) Require the manufacturer to submit a prototype of the device for testing under COMAR 36.08.04; and
   2. (2) Determine that the applicant is qualified and grant the license.
7. G. Upon review of the information provided under §B of this regulation, the Commission may conduct a hearing in accordance with COMAR 36.01.02.06 to deny the license.
8. H. A family entertainment center that holds an amusement gaming license issued under this regulation may not transfer the license to another geographic location.

Authority: Criminal Law Article, §§12-301 and 12-301.1; State Government Article, §§ 9-1B-01— 9-1B-02; Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: January 1, 2017 (43:23 Md. R. 1281)

Regulation .01B amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 657)

Regulation .02B, E, G amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 657)

Regulation .02D amended effective October 19, 2020 (47:21 Md. R. 905)

Regulation .03 amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 657)

Regulation .04 amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 657)

Regulation .06B amended effective July 7, 2025 (52:13 Md. R. 657)