Frederick County - Gaming - Acceptance of Credit as Payment

HB 1609 allows Frederick County volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance organizations to accept credit (e.g., credit cards) as payment for gaming events they host, such as raffles or bingo. It amends Maryland’s Criminal Law to remove the prior prohibition (in Section 12-108(b)) that barred these groups from accepting credit for gaming devices. The bill specifically targets organizations listed under Section 13-1304(b)(2) and (3) of the Maryland Code. It takes effect July 1, 2026, and does not change existing rules about using tokens instead of cash.