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MarylandHB 06102026 Regular SessionHouse

St. Mary's County - Gaming by Qualified Organization - Permit Required

Sponsored By: Todd B. Morgan (Republican)

Signed by Governor

GamingCriminal Law - Substantive CrimesCrimes and Punishments -see also- Penalties and Sentnc; etc.Equipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Gaming and GamblingLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsPermits -see also- Building PermitsRules and RegulationsSt. Mary's CountyTechnology -see also- AeroT; BioT; EnergyT; InfoT; MedT; etc

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

County sets gaming permit office and rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the St. Mary's County Commissioners must name a designee to issue gaming permits. The County may set rules, in consultation with that designee, to run and enforce the permit system. The designee role covers both bingo licenses and gaming permits. Organizations apply through this office.

Permits required for charity gaming in St. Mary's

Beginning July 1, 2026, qualified nonprofits in St. Mary's County must get a gaming permit to run listed games. They may hold gaming events only if no one operates for personal financial gain and no one gets proceeds for personal use. Money must support the group’s purposes. Volunteer fire companies and bona fide religious, fraternal, civic, veterans’, and charitable groups qualify.

What counts as a gaming device

Beginning July 1, 2026, the law defines a “gaming device” in St. Mary's County. It includes a paddle wheel, wheel of fortune, chance book, bingo, Nevada card, and stamp machine. Slot machines are not included.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Todd B. Morgan

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 174 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 131 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 555

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (43-0)

    4/8/2026Senate

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/1/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/1/2026Senate

  6. Referred Budget and Taxation

    3/19/2026Senate

  7. Third Reading Passed (131-0)

    3/18/2026House

  8. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/18/2026House

  9. Favorable with Amendments {263827/1 Adopted

    3/18/2026House

  10. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    3/18/2026House

  11. Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m.

    1/28/2026House

  12. First Reading Ways and Means

    1/28/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/28/2026

    PDF

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