Sec. 36.05.02.02. Gaming Chips and Promotional Chips

A. A gaming chip issued by a facility operator shall be in the form of a disk.

B. A gaming chip may not be issued by a facility operator or utilized in a facility until:

(1) The facility operator submits to the Commission for approval the design specifications of the proposed gaming chip, including a detailed schematic depicting the actual size and location of:

(a) Each face, including any indentations or impressions;

(b) The edge; and

(c) Any colors, words, designs, graphics, or security measures contained on the gaming chip;

(2) The facility operator submits to the Commission, a sample of each gaming chip, manufactured in accordance with its approved design specifications; and

(3) The Commission approves the gaming chip design under COMAR 36.05.03.16.

C. To prevent the counterfeiting of the gaming chip, a gaming chip issued by a facility operator shall be designed and manufactured with graphics and security measures required to appear on the face or edge of a value chip under this regulation and Regulation.03 of this chapter.

D. Prohibitions.

(1) A facility operator may not issue, use or allow a player to use in its facility, a gaming chip that it knows, or reasonably should know, is materially different from the sample of a gaming chip approved in accordance with §B of this regulation.

(2) A facility operator or other person licensed by the Commission may not manufacture, sell or distribute to, or use in, a licensed facility outside of Maryland a gaming chip that has the same edge spot or design specifications as a chip approved for use in a facility in Maryland.

E. Promotional Nongaming Chips.

(1) A facility operator may issue a promotional nongaming chip that:

(a) Is unique from an approved gaming chip and promotional chip in size or color;

(b) Has no edge designs; and

(c) On both faces, bears:

(i) The name of the facility issuing the promotional nongaming chip; and

(ii) Language that the promotional nongaming chip has no redeemable value.

(2) A promotional nongaming chip may not be used for table game play in a facility.

(3) To prevent confusion with approved gaming chips in use in Maryland facilities, the physical characteristics of promotional nongaming chips must be sufficiently distinguishable from approved gaming chips.

(4) A facility operator shall submit to the Commission for approval a detailed schematic depicting the actual size, face, and any colors, words, designs, or graphics on the promotional nongaming chip under COMAR 36.05.03.16.

F. A facility operator may issue a promotional chip with value that is permitted to be used for gaming purposes in a licensed facility.

(1) The physical characteristics of promotional chips with value must be sufficiently distinguishable from approved gaming chips issued by any facility operator in Maryland so as to reasonably ensure that the promotional chips with value will not to be confused with approved gaming chips and promotional nongaming chips.

(2) A facility operator shall submit to the Commission for approval, under COMAR 36.05.03.16, a detailed schematic depicting the actual size, face and any colors, words, designs or graphics on the promotional gaming chip.

(3) At a minimum, a promotional gaming chip shall:

(a) Be unique in terms of size or color;

(b) Have no edge designs;

(c) Bear the name of the facility operator issuing the promotional gaming chip; and

(d) Contain language on both faces stating value of the promotional chip.

(4) A promotional chip with value may be redeemed only at a gaming table in which a player wagers against the house.

(5) The dealer shall deposit the promotional chip with value into the drop box attached to the gaming table at the time the winning wager is paid or the losing wager is collected.

(6) If the wager wins, it shall be paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the promotional chip.