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Bill

HB 717

Baltimore City - Raffles - Organizations Affiliated With Professional Baseball and Football Teams

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Edelson

Bill exempts Baltimore Orioles and Ravens-affiliated organizations from Maryland raffle licensing requirements, reducing state regulatory oversight of their fundraising activities.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 483
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Bill Summary · HB 717

Legislative bill overview

HB 717 would allow organizations affiliated with Baltimore's professional baseball and football teams (the Orioles and Ravens) to conduct raffles without requiring the same licensing and regulatory oversight currently mandated for other raffle operators in Maryland. The bill creates a carve-out in state raffle law specifically for these sports-affiliated entities.

Why is this important

Raffles are a common fundraising mechanism, but Maryland currently regulates them through a licensing system to prevent fraud and ensure proceeds go to legitimate charitable purposes. This bill would exempt major professional sports organizations from those regulations, potentially reducing state oversight of raffle operations and setting a precedent for other entities to seek similar exemptions.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory inconsistency: Creates a two-tiered system where large, well-resourced organizations avoid compliance requirements that smaller nonprofits must follow, raising fairness questions
  • Revenue and oversight loss: State loses ability to monitor raffle operations, verify proper fund allocation, and collect regulatory fees from these entities
  • Special interest legislation: Grants preferential treatment to wealthy professional sports franchises rather than applying uniform rules equally to all organizations conducting raffles

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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