The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulates and oversees gambling casinos in Maryland. It also administers responsible gaming programs and sports wagering. In addition, the agency oversees privately held businesses, on-line fantasy competitions and smaller ancillary gaming programs.
To operate the Maryland Lottery, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency employs employees and contracts private licensees. The agency oversees the lottery’s promotional efforts and conducts audits of slot machines, video lottery terminals and retail establishments. They also maintain a records management program and serve as a liaison to the Department of General Services and the State Archives.
The state has four types of authorized games. These include bingo, pull-tabs, table games and slots. Bingo is a classic American game. Licensed charities can also operate bingo venues. Aside from these games, the state is not permitted to run casinos.
As a result of its success, the Oregon Lottery spread the games to more retailers. In 1998, the commission approved a video lottery system and licensed 9,000 video slot machines. The following year, it expanded the number of video slot machines to more retailers, increased the maximum bill to $100 and approved games with jackpots of up to $10,000. However, the business model did not satisfy the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, which recommended the lottery reduce the number of video slot machines and make changes in the lottery’s payout structure. Ultimately, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission’s advice was ignored.
To be eligible to sell Lottery tickets, retailers must be at least 21 years old. In addition, they must establish safeguards to prevent sales to minors. Tickets are not available to persons under 18. While the lottery does not enforce its own rules, it does rely on retailers to report revenue. When retailers receive money from the lottery, they are also paid a commission. This revenue helps the agency to offset losses from gaming operations.
Powerball is another lottery that is offered in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. Tickets cost $2 and are drawn three times a week. Players select six numbers from two fields. The top prize is $2 million. Throughout the United States, there are several variations of the game.
Powerball is sold in 45 states. Although lottery operators can enter into contracts with charitable organizations to conduct raffles, they are legally prohibited from recruiting children under 18 in advertising. In Minnesota, however, raffles are allowed. Similarly, tribal gaming is legal.
Maryland has six licensed casinos that can redeem winning Lottery tickets. Tickets can also be redeemed at Expanded Cashing Authority Program (ECAP) retail locations. Winning tickets up to $5,000 can be redeemed at ECAP locations.
The lottery offers more than 50 pre-printed scratch-off games. One of the newest instant games, Fast Play, includes thousands of winning tickets. Unlike traditional scratch-off games, Fast Play instant games are printed on-demand and available to consumers at self-service vending machines. Some of the fastest-selling games, Bonus Match 5 and Pick 5, offer prizes of $50,000 and $2 million, respectively.