HB633 amends Maryland’s criminal law definition of “slot machine” to clarify that certain skills-based amusement devices are not treated as illegal slot machines if they award only limited-value noncash items. The bill allows these devices to dispense merchandise, tickets, tokens, or other objects of minimal value per play, and it permits those objects to be accumulated and exchanged for noncash merchandise or prizes, so long as the exchanged value is similar to the accumulated value and does not exceed a $599 wholesale value. It also preserves an existing exclusion for a skills-based device located at a licensed family entertainment center in Worcester County.
The measure is aimed at distinguishing lawful amusement or redemption-style games from prohibited gambling devices. It keeps the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission’s role in setting the minimal per-play value by regulation and leaves intact other existing exclusions from the slot machine definition, including free-play devices, low-value noncash prize machines, certain bingo-related devices, and any future video lottery terminals authorized by separate legislation.
Impact
The bill narrows and modernizes the statutory definition of “slot machine” in Article 12-301(3) of the Criminal Law Article by expressly exempting certain skills-based amusement devices that award low-value redeemable objects. As a result, operators of qualifying arcade-style or redemption games may be able to offer accumulated tickets, tokens, or similar objects for prizes within the bill’s limits without being classified as operating slot machines under Maryland criminal law. The State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission is given regulatory authority over the minimal per-play value, and the law takes effect July 1, 2025.
Sentiment
The voting record shows strong, unanimous support in both chambers: the House passed the bill 137-0 and the Senate passed it 47-0. With no recorded committee transcripts or floor debate provided, the available history suggests the bill was broadly viewed as a technical or clarifying gaming measure rather than a controversial expansion of gambling.
Contention
No specific opposition is reflected in the available materials, and the bill passed unanimously. The main policy issue embedded in the text is the line between lawful skills-based amusement devices and prohibited slot machines, especially the allowance for accumulated tickets, tokens, or other objects to be exchanged for prizes up to a $599 wholesale value. Any concern would likely center on whether the exemption could be used to blur gambling restrictions, but no named legislators, agencies, or stakeholders are shown as disputing the measure in the provided record.