Maryland Statewide Rule

Maryland Home Game Law Sets Social Wagering Limits

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maryland (2026)

Key Facts

Minimum player age: 21 years old
Games allowed: Mah jong or a card game
Maximum frequency: Once per week
Wager cap: $1,000 total per 24 hours
Where it can be held: A player's residence
Player relationship required: Preexisting social relationship
Penalty if exemption fails: Up to 6 months, $5,000 fine

Last verified: August 21, 2026

Summary

Maryland exempts small-stakes social play from its gambling ban through the "home game" law at State Government § 9-1C-01. Adults 21 and older may host mah jong or card games with wagering in a private residence, but only once a week, only among people who already share a social relationship, and only up to $1,000 in total wagers across all players in any 24-hour period.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Criminal Law Article, an individual who is at least 21 years old may conduct a home game involving wagering if the home game: (1) except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, is limited to mah jong or a card game; (2) is conducted not more than once a week: (i) in the place of residence of an individual who may also participate as a player in the home game; or (ii) in a common area of a residential property that is restricted to residents who are at least 55 years old; (3) allows a player to compete directly against one or more other players who share a preexisting social relationship; (4) does not allow an individual to benefit financially in any way, directly or indirectly, other than from the winnings accrued by participating as a player in the game; ... and (6) has a limit of $1,000 on the total amount of money, tokens representing money, or any other thing or consideration of value that may be wagered by all players during any 24-hour period.

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Full Breakdown

Maryland's general gambling statutes in Criminal Law Title 12 make it a crime to operate or profit from betting, but State Government § 9-1C-01 carves out a specific safe harbor for private social games. To qualify, the game must meet six conditions at once: the host and players must be at least 21; the game itself must be mah jong or "a card game" (Carroll County adds bingo, but only in a common area of a residential property restricted to residents 55 and older); it can run no more than once a week, either in the residence of a player or in that age-restricted common area; players must "compete directly against one or more other players who share a preexisting social relationship", a stranger's poker night open to the public doesn't qualify; the organizer cannot take a cut beyond their own winnings as a player; and there is a hard $1,000 cap on the total amount wagered by everyone at the table during any rolling 24-hour period.

The law also bars any internet-connected device use during play, paid advertising or promotion of the game, and admission, seat, food, or entertainment fees. Miss any one of these conditions, say, a weekly game that runs the pot past $1,000, or a card room that charges a door fee, and the exemption falls away entirely, exposing the game to prosecution under the general gambling provisions of Criminal Law Title 12 rather than any lesser home-game penalty. The statute was added to the State Government Article (not Criminal Law) precisely so it operates as a standalone carve-out layered on top of the existing criminal ban, rather than rewriting the ban itself.

Violations & Penalties

A home game that satisfies all six § 9-1C-01 conditions is not a violation of anything: it is lawful conduct. A game that fails any condition (exceeds the $1,000/24-hour cap, runs more than once a week, admits players without a preexisting social relationship, charges admission, or lets the host skim proceeds) loses the exemption and reverts to Maryland's general gambling prohibition at Criminal Law § 12-102, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000, or both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to play poker for money at home in Maryland?

Yes, if it fits the § 9-1C-01 home game exemption: players 21 or older, held in a residence no more than once a week, limited to players who already share a social relationship, no fees or internet devices involved, and total wagers by everyone capped at $1,000 in any 24-hour period. A home poker night that meets all of these is not illegal gambling under Maryland law.

Does Maryland's home game exemption cover dice games or sports betting pools?

No. Section 9-1C-01 limits the exempted games to mah jong or "a card game," with bingo added only for Carroll County residential communities restricted to residents 55 and older. Craps, roulette, or informal sports betting pools among friends are not covered and remain subject to Maryland's general gambling prohibitions in Criminal Law Title 12.

Can the host of a home card game take a cut of the pot in Maryland?

No. The statute requires that the game "does not allow an individual to benefit financially in any way, directly or indirectly, other than from the winnings accrued by participating as a player in the game." A host who rakes the pot, charges a seat fee, or otherwise profits beyond their own play as a participant voids the exemption entirely.

What happens if a Maryland home game exceeds the $1,000 wager cap?

Once total wagers by all players pass $1,000 in a 24-hour period, the game no longer qualifies as an exempt home game under § 9-1C-01 and falls under Maryland's ordinary gambling ban. That exposes organizers and possibly players to prosecution under Criminal Law § 12-102, a misdemeanor carrying up to 6 months in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.

Sources

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