The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency oversees the Maryland Lottery, the gaming casinos and sports wagering in the state of Maryland. In addition, the agency also regulates smaller ancillary gaming programs, such as on-line fantasy competitions. The Director of the Agency is appointed by the Governor, and is required to receive approval from the General Assembly. This agency is responsible for the operation and management of the lottery, and may enter into agreements with private licensees.
The Maryland Gaming Control Division is responsible for regulating casino operations, table games, video lottery terminals and responsible gambling. It also conducts audits and ensures that licensees and retailers comply with regulations. To protect the public, the agency implements a range of consumer protection and responsible gambling programs. These include the Expanded Cashing Authority Program, which allows consumers to redeem winning tickets worth up to $5,000 at licensed retail locations. Other programs include the Lottery’s Voluntary Exclusion Program, which provides support for individuals suffering from problem gambling.
Several divisions within the Agency provide technical assistance, including the Information Technology division. This division develops internal data systems, provides technical assistance to the Agency and supports the infrastructure of the Agency’s website. Additionally, the division purchases advertising time and space, develops advertising strategies, and evaluates the effectiveness of the agency’s advertising efforts.
Creative Services manages the production of advertising materials and advises consumers on the latest lottery games and promotions. Creative Services also manages the agency’s records management program. In addition, the Agency’s records officer oversees the program. The Responsible Gambling Program Director works in the Gaming Division and oversees the training, treatment and exclusion of individuals suffering from gambling problems.
Casino Licensing began as Video Lottery Terminal Licensing. Over time, the program was reformed into a Gaming and Regulatory Oversight Division, and then into Gaming and Regulatory Oversight. A separate Marketing Division, which oversaw Creative Services, was also established. However, the Sales and Marketing Division merged with the Lottery Division in November 2021.
The Maryland Lottery Division manages promotional campaigns, launches new lottery games, and recruits outlets for the lottery. It also ensures that all Lottery locations have enough materials and supplies, and that the Lottery’s computerized real-time system operates efficiently. Tickets for the Lottery are available at licensed retail establishments in Maryland. They are sold in the same manner as other ticket products, including self-service vending machines and terminals. Approximately a quarter of all proceeds from the Lottery are deposited into the State Lottery Fund.
As the authority for a wide range of lottery and gambling operations, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency also supervises the operations of the State’s six licensed casinos. In addition, Maryland’s six casinos are authorized to redeem any winning Lottery ticket up to $25,000 in prizes.
The Maryland Amusement Game Advisory Committee advises the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission on the legality of skill-based amusement games. The committee is composed of seven members. Besides the Governor, the other members are the Director of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the Executive Director of the Department of Health, the Director of the Department of General Services, the Director of the State Lottery and Games Control Commission, the Recording Officer of the State Lottery and Games Control Agency, and the Chairman of the State Lottery and Games Control Committee.