Going into effect October 1, 2016, Maryland criminal code §9–1C–01 establishes legality of home poker games:
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) 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;
(5) does not involve:
(i) a player’s use of an electronic device that connects to the Internet;
(ii) the use of paid public advertising or promotions;
(iii) the charging of a fee for admission, a seat, entertainment, or food and drink or any other fee; or
(iv) the use of any money except money used for wagering; 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.
