A recent informational meeting, led by County Administrator Kevin Null, was held to discuss the regulation of paper gaming in Garrett County. While not an official public hearing, the meeting covered past legislation, current requirements, and potential next steps.
This discussion was prompted by a recent inquiry from a for-profit business requesting permission to sell tip jars. In reviewing the county’s authority on the matter, officials found that a state law specific to Garrett County had been enacted in 2006.
Upon further investigation of the Maryland state law, the County Commissioners determined that the county government is required to issue permits for paper gaming but has the discretion to impose a tax at a distinctive rate between for-profit and non-profit businesses.
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners are not currently taxing or regulating paper gaming – nor do they intend to. However, they recognize the need to implement a permit process to ensure compliance with existing laws.
As a result, a permit application process for paper gaming will be developed within the next 30 days and posted to the Garrett County Government website. Permits for non-profit organizations will be free and will not have an expiration date.
“Mr. Null regularly gathers feedback and assesses community perspectives on a myriad of issues then uses that information to inform us,” said Commissioner Chairman Paul Edwards. “Any formal decisions or policy changes on a local level would require official action by the Board of County Commissioners, would be well publicized, and follow the official processes.”
There are no plans to move forward with allowing for-profit businesses to participate in paper gaming in Garrett County.
Comments and questions can be emailed to [email protected].
