The Division of Planning and Permitting

Permits and Inspections - Gaming Permits

Requirements

Gaming permits allow certain defined gaming activities to benefit nonprofit, charitable and community organizations in their fundraising activities. A gaming permit is required when a nonprofit organization wishes to use bingo, raffles, punchboards, wheels of fortune, chance books, paddle wheels and tip jars for their fundraising activities. Door prizes and 50/50 games (not pre-sold raffle tickets) do not require a permit. Unless specifically allowed in the Gaming Ordinance or in state law, all gaming is forbidden in Frederick County.

Approving Agencies: Department of Permits and Inspections (P&I); Frederick County Sheriff. Permit approvals are required before any gaming activity is started.
Processing Time: Gaming permits are usually issued within a time frame of 10 to 15 days from the day the application is made and the fee is paid. Some permits take longer when special approvals or appeals are required.
Duration of Approval: All gaming permits, except tip jars / punchboards, are valid until December 31st of the year in which they are issued. Tip jar and punchboard permit expiration date is dependent on the length of the permit, but in all cases, the permit will expire on December 31st of the year in which they are issued.
Fees: Vary according to the type of permit.