STATE LOTTERY & GAMING CONTROL AGENCY

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland, February 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency operates the Maryland Lottery through a combination of employees and vendor services, and oversees casinos and sports wagering entities, which are privately held independent businesses. In addition, the Agency regulates a number of smaller ancillary gaming programs.

MARYLAND LOTTERY
Through the Maryland Lottery, lottery tickets are sold and redeemed at licensed retail establishments throughout Maryland, which are private businesses that receive commissions for tickets they sell and redeem. Transactions are conducted through terminals and self-service vending machines that are connected to a computerized real-time system.

Revenues from the Lottery are credited to the State Lottery Fund (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-118 through 9-120). Monies in the State Lottery Fund are deposited into the Maryland Stadium Facilities Fund, the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund, and the Baltimore City Public School Construction Financing Fund. The remaining monies are deposited into the State General Fund (Code State Government Article, sec. 9-120).

Lottery income is the State's fourth-largest source of revenue, after income taxes, sales taxes, and corporate taxes. Approximately 96% of what the Lottery makes from ticket sales goes back out into the community, 25% goes to State programs and services, 63% goes to player prizes, and 7% goes to retailer sales and cashing commissions. The Lottery’s operational expenses amount to approximately 3% of total sales. Detailed annual reports are available at www.mdgaming.com

LOTTERY DRAWING GAMES
The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency provides a variety of terminal-based games which include Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Bonus Match 5, Cash4Life, Keno, Mega Millions, Multi-Match, Powerball, and Racetrax.

Drawing results are available at www.mdlottery.com, the Maryland Lottery’s mobile phone app, and the winning numbers phone line (410) 230-8830. The website also includes details on each game’s rules, odds and prize structure.

Daily Drawings. The Lottery holds twice-daily drawings for Pick 3 (a three-digit game); Pick 4 (a four-digit game); and Pick 5 (a five-digit game). Bonus Match 5 (a pick of 5-of-39 game) drawings are also held daily.

Monitor Games. Keno is a monitor-style game with drawings held every four minutes. Players select up to 10 numbers from a field of 80 and match them to a computer-generated group of 20 numbers displayed on a Keno monitor. Racetrax is a computer-animated horseracing simulation game where players select horses numbered from 1 to 12. Drawings are held approximately every four minutes. Cash Pop drawings are held four times per day with results displayed on monitors at Lottery retailers.

Jackpot Games. Mega Millions (formerly The Big Game) is a multi-state game with jackpots that start at an estimated annuity value of $50 million and drawings held each Tuesday and Friday nights in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets are sold in 45 states plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Multi-Match (formerly Lotto) Multi-Match is a Maryland-only game with drawings each Monday and Thursday evening. The jackpot starts at an estimated annuity value of $500,000 and increases with each drawing until a jackpot-winning ticket is sold.

Powerball has been offered since January 31, 2010. It is a multi-state game with jackpots that start at an estimated annuity value of $20 million and drawings held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday night in Tallahassee, Florida. Tickets are sold in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

FAST PLAY INSTANT GAMES
In 2020, the Lottery introduced Fast Play instant games, which are similar in style to scratch-off tickets, but are printed on-demand at the time of purchase by Lottery terminals and self-service vending machines. Prices range from $1 to $30. Some Fast Play games offer progressive jackpot prizes, which start at a base amount and increase with the sale of each ticket until a jackpot-winning ticket is sold.

LOTTERY INSTANT GAMES
The Lottery offers more than 50 pre-printed, scratch-off games at prices ranging from $1 to $50. Each scratch-off game launch includes many thousands of winning tickets, with prizes of varying amounts, including top prizes as high as $5 million. New scratch-off games are launched monthly.

PRIZES
Information on redeeming Maryland Lottery tickets is available on the How To Claim page on the Agency's website. by appointment only.

With Senate advice and consent, the Director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is appointed by the Governor (Code State Government Article, sec. 9-106). With the approval of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission and the Legislative Policy Committee of the General Assembly, the Agency's Director may enter into agreements to operate multi-jurisdictional lotteries with any other political entity outside the State or outside the United States, or with a private licensee of a state or other nation (Chapter 449, Acts of 2002; Code State Government Article, sec. 9-111).

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology began as the Electronic Data Processing, Research and Development Division, and reorganized as the Information Technology Division in 1997. It merged with Administration, Finance and Operations Division in 2014 to form the Administration, Finance, Operations and Information Technology Division, and became a subunit of that division in November 2015. Later, it transferred to the Gaming and Regulatory Oversight Division. By October 2025, the unit had transferred to the Deputy Director.

Information Technology staff are responsible for data processing systems that support Lottery operations. This unit also provides technical assistance to the Agency, and develops and supports internal data systems, the local area network, and website infrastructure.

OPERATIONS
Operations is responsible for Agent Administration, Contract Management, Facilities Operation and Records Management, and Lottery Investigations and Security.

FACILITIES OPERATION & RECORDS MANAGEMENT
Since October 1, 2017, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has had a program for the continual, economical and efficient management of its records. The Agency's Records Officer develops and oversees the record retention program, and serves as liaison to the Records Management Division of the Department of General Services, and to the State Archives (Chapter 539, Acts of 2017; Code State Government Article, secs. 10-608 through 10-611).

INVESTIGATIONS & SECURITY
Under Gaming and Regulatory Oversight, Investigations and Security formerly was called Lottery Investigations.

STATE LOTTERY & GAMING CONTROL COMMISSION
In 1973, the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission originated as the State Lottery Commission authorized by the General Assembly (Chapter 365, Acts of 1972). It reformed as the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission in 2012 (Chapter 1, Acts of 2012, 2nd Special Session).

The seven-member Commission serves as an advisory board to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. In November 2008, the Commission also was assigned responsibility for regulating the operation of video lottery terminals (slot machines) in Maryland (Chapter 4, Acts of 2007 Special Session; Code State Government Article, sec. 9-1A-04). Regulation of sports wagering and online fantasy competitions (daily fantasy sports) was added in 2021 (Chapter 356, Acts of 2021)

Commission members review and approve new or amended lottery, casino and sports wagering regulations before they are submitted for Legislative review. Recommendations for Agency contracts also are reviewed and approved by the Commission before submission to the Board of Public Works or the Department of General Services. In addition, the Commission reviews and approves licenses for casino and sports wagering operators, principal entities, manufacturers, contractors, and vendors and employees.

Seven members are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor with Senate advice and consent. The Governor also appoints a liaison member from the Maryland Racing Commission as a member of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission (Chapter 1, Acts of 2012 2nd Special Session). Annually, from among its members the Commission chooses the Chair (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-104 through 9-109).

The Commission is assisted by the Maryland Amusement Game Advisory Committee.

MARYLAND AMUSEMENT GAME ADVISORY COMMITTEE
In June 2014, the Maryland Amusement Game Advisory Committee was established by the General Assembly (Chapter 464, Acts of 2014).

The seven-member Committee advises the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission on the conduct and technical aspects of the amusement game industry, including recommendations for the legality of skill-based amusement games.

Committee members are appointed by the Governor. Six are voting members. The Director of the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency serves ex officio as a nonvoting member. The Governor names the Chair (Code Criminal Law Article, sec. 12-301.1).

COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

The Communications Division interacts with the public on a daily basis, responding to a wide variety of inquiries from Lottery players and news outlets. Staff keeps the public updated on Lottery promotions and engages in winner-awareness efforts by interviewing Lottery winners and publishing their stories at mdlottery.com.

The Communications Division regularly issues news releases listing the Lottery’s top prizes, and reporting monthly revenues for casino gaming and sports wagering. Communications staff members plan and manage the Lottery’s on-site presence as a supporting sponsor at approximately 70 community events each year, including fairs and festivals, and sports and charity events. In coordination with the Sales and Marketing Division, the Communications Division produces a quarterly newsletter for Maryland Lottery retailers.

The Communications Division is also responsible for conducting the Maryland Lottery’s daily drawings and fulfillment of prizes awarded in second-chance promotions run through the My Lottery Rewards player loyalty program.

FINANCE DIVISION

The Finance Division includes the Budget Unit, Gaming Accounting, and General Ledger Accounting.

GAMING ACCOUNTING
Gaming Accounting oversees all accounting for casinos, sports wagering and online fantasy competitions.

GENERAL LEDGER ACCOUNTING
General Ledger Accounting oversees and manages day-to-day operations of the Accounting Unit. It also handles maintenance and reconciliation of the general ledger for the Lottery, casino slot machines, sports wagering and online fantasy competitions.

GAMING & REGULATORY OVERSIGHT DIVISION

The Gaming and Regulatory Oversight Division regulates casino gaming, sports wagering and four other gaming programs (online fantasy competitions; the Instant Ticket Lottery Machine (ITLM) program available exclusively to veterans’ organizations; electronic instant bingo machines at 13 facilities in Anne Arundel and Calvert counties; and skills-based amusement devices). The Division conducts audits; monitors the regulatory compliance of casinos and sports wagering operators; manages the slot machine central monitor and control system; and administers responsible gambling programs.

Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, 1525 Russell St., Baltimore, Maryland, September 2018. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort, Flintstone (Allegany County), Maryland, October 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

The three main units under the Division are Gaming, Gaming and Regulatory Oversight, and Operations.

GAMING
Gaming oversees three units: Audit and Regulatory Compliance; Gaming Operations; and Responsible Gambling.

AUDIT & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Audit and Regulatory Compliance was established as Casino Auditing under the Gaming Division in July 2011. It was renamed Auditing and Regulatory Compliance in September 2014, and Audit and Regulatory Compliance in 2017.

To ensure the integrity of casino gambling in Maryland, Audit and Regulatory Compliance collects and reviews operational forms, financial statements, and statistical and performance data. It applies auditing standards to account for and safeguard assets and ensure that the operations, financial position, and cash flows of casinos are reflected accurately. To monitor compliance with internal control systems, Audit and Regulatory Compliance also oversees field audits of casinos statewide.

GAMING OPERATIONS
Under the Gaming Division, Gaming Operations was organized in July 2011 as Video Lottery Terminal Operations It reformed as Electronic Gaming Device Operations in January 2014, and received its present name in November 2015.

The Gaming Operations staff reviews slot machine performance, and seeks to ensure that casinos meet requirements for opening and continuing operations. It also oversees any slot machine conversions, movements, or changes.

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING
The Agency’s Responsible Gambling Program Director works in the Gaming Division and coordinates the Agency’s responsible gambling efforts. The position is responsible for ensuring that casinos and sportsbook licensees have approved responsible gambling (RG) plans in place and also oversees RG training efforts aimed at both Agency employees and Lottery retailers. The Responsible Gambling Program Director also administers the Voluntary Exclusion Program and serves as the Agency’s primary liaison to the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, a division of the Maryland Department of Health, which oversees problem gambling treatment services in the state. The Agency and the Center of Excellence are among the leadership of the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling, which brings together gambling stakeholders and State agencies to enhance resources available to problem gamblers. No-cost assessment and treatment are available through the Center of Excellence by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting https://helpmygamblingproblem.org/.

Initiated in 2010, the Voluntary Exclusion Program is for individuals who wish to ban themselves from Maryland casinos, the Maryland Lottery, Maryland’s sportsbooks or daily fantasy sports operators, or electronic instant bingo halls. Information on the program is available on theMaryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling website.

REGULATORY OVERSIGHT
In December 2010, Regulatory Oversight began as the Enforcement Division. In November 2015, the Division reorganized as Regulatory Oversight within the Gaming and Operations Division and then reformed as Gaming and Regulatory Oversight within the Gaming and Regulatory Oversight Division. By January 2022, It had been renamed Regulatory Oversight.

Regulatory Oversight includes Casino Compliance; and Licensing staffs.

CASINO COMPLIANCE
At each Maryland casino, Casino Compliance maintains staff who work to resolve customer complaints and to ensure that the casinos comply with regulations and the casinos’ own internal control procedures. According to statute, Casino Compliance staff members must be on duty and on-site 24 hours a day at all six of Maryland’s casinos in order for gaming operations to be permitted.

LICENSING
Licensing started as Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Licensing. It reformed as Casino Licensing, and later as Licensing.

Licensing staff members conduct criminal and financial background investigations of the owners, employees, equipment manufacturers, contractors and vendors of casinos and sportsbooks to determine if they are qualified to be licensed.

SALES & MARKETING DIVISION

The Sales and Marketing Division plans and manages broadcast, digital and social media ads; as well as print and out-of-home advertising and promotional efforts. The Division also plans Lottery game launches and promotions and oversees interactions with more than 4,300 retail locations across the state that sell Maryland Lottery tickets.

Under the Division are eight units: Corporate Sales; Creative Services; Field Sales; Product Development; Retail Recruitment; Sales; Sales Force Automation; and Sales Support.

CREATIVE SERVICES
In 2001, Creative Services was initiated as the Creative Services Division. It merged in June 2005 with the Product Development Division and the Research and Planning Division to form the Product Development, Creative Services and Research Division. In January 2008, it reformed as the Product Development, Creative Services and Communications Division, and in 2009 reorganized as the Creative Product Services and Communications Division. With the Sales Division it joined to form the Lottery Division in July 2011. In 2015, the Marketing Division re-emerged as a separate division and oversaw Creative Services, which became part of the Sales and Marketing Division in November 2021.

The Creative Services staff develops advertising strategies to achieve the Lottery’s sales and revenue objectives Creative Services evaluates the effectiveness of advertising in terms of reach, frequency, and impression on audiences. Advertising time and space for jackpot announcements, product introductions, promotions, and winner awareness are purchased by this unit. To inform consumers about Lottery products, promotions, and programs, Creative Services manages the development and production of advertising materials for all types of media as well as point-of-sale materials to be placed at Lottery retailers.

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