(A) No gaming event or bingo game may be operated in Frederick County until the appropriate permit has been obtained. A permit is required for any gaming event where gaming devices are used involving bets or exchanges of money or anything of value. A permit must be obtained for gaming events held at a carnival if the events meet the criteria outlined in this article.
(B) To obtain a permit to conduct a bingo game or a gaming event, the organization and operator, if applicable, must:
(1) Jointly submit an application on a county form to the Director of Permits and Inspections accompanied by the appropriate issuance fee;
(2) Demonstrate that it is a bona fide religious, fraternal, civic, war veterans’, hospital, amateur athletic, patriotic, educational, or charitable organization, or a county volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance company or its auxiliary. Evidence of the bona fide nature of the organization may include, but is not limited to, the nonprofit qualification as accepted by the I.R.S. under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(1), (3), (4), (5), (7), (8), (10), or (19) or (d);
(3) Swear to an affidavit establishing that the organization and individuals directly responsible for the conduct of the activity have not been convicted of a gaming related misdemeanor within 5 years of the application submission or of a felony; and
(4) Identify the beneficiary of the event.
(C) The Director of Permits and Inspections will review the application and grant or deny the permit.
(1) Before issuing a permit, the Director of Permits and Inspections shall determine if the applicants meet the requirements of this article and may refer the application to the Sheriff for a determination on whether an applicant qualifies as a bona fide organization.
(2) The application and the actions of the Director of Permits and Inspections are matters of public record.
(D) If granted, the permit will entitle the organization and operator to conduct a bingo game or gaming event according to the terms of the permit and all applicable law.
(E) If denied, the organization or operator may appeal the decision as provided in § 1-2-112 of this article.
(F) The burden of proof for all permit issues shall rest with the applicant.
(G) Permits are not transferable.
(Ord. 92-21-056, 9-22-1992; Ord. 93-02-066, 1-19-1993; Ord. 14-23-678, 11-13-2014)