SB 667 narrows and clarifies Maryland’s criminal-law definition of “slot machine” by expanding the category of devices that are not treated as illegal slot machines. The bill specifically addresses skills-based amusement devices, allowing them to award low-value merchandise, tickets, tokens, or other objects that can be accumulated and later exchanged for noncash merchandise or prizes, so long as the value remains within limits set by regulation and does not exceed a minimal wholesale value of $599. It also preserves existing exclusions for free plays, minimal-value noncash prizes, certain paper pull-tab devices, handheld bingo devices, state lottery equipment, and any future video lottery terminals authorized by law.
The bill amends Criminal Law § 12-301(3), which governs the definition of “slot machine” for purposes of Maryland gambling law. By carving out additional skills-based amusement devices, SB 667 reduces the risk that certain arcade-style or redemption-style machines will be treated as prohibited slot machines, while leaving regulatory authority with the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to set the per-play value limit by regulation. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
SB 667 changes Maryland’s criminal gambling statutes by revising the statutory exclusion from the definition of “slot machine” for skills-based amusement devices. The practical effect is to provide a clearer legal pathway for certain amusement and redemption machines to operate without being classified as illegal slot machines, provided their prizes and redemption values stay within the bill’s limits and any commission regulations. The bill may affect arcade operators, family entertainment centers, device manufacturers, and regulators, especially in settings where prize redemption and game-of-skill machines have previously raised enforcement questions.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong bipartisan support and no recorded opposition in either chamber, with unanimous third-reading passage in the Senate and House. There are no committee transcripts provided, but the final votes suggest the bill was broadly viewed as a technical or clarifying change rather than a controversial expansion of gambling. The absence of recorded nays indicates generally favorable sentiment toward the measure.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Based on the text, the main policy issue is whether skills-based amusement devices should be allowed to award redeemable objects and prizes without being treated as slot machines, and how much value those prizes may carry. Any concern would likely center on the line between lawful amusement devices and gambling devices, as well as the role of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission in setting prize-value limits by regulation.