The Maryland Lottery is the third largest source of revenue for the State. It is run by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Revenue is deposited into the State Lottery Fund, which is then credited to the General Fund. This fund supports public health, safety, and education.
There are four divisions within the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. They are: Sales, Product Development, Creative Services, and Communications. These are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Lottery’s operations. Each division provides various services to the agency.
Marketing units are responsible for preparing and distributing lottery advertisements, including print and digital ads. The units also plan and implement marketing strategies, and purchase advertising space. Creative Services evaluates the effectiveness of advertising campaigns and purchases advertising space to promote winners. In addition to purchasing ads, the Creative Services team produces Lottery promotional materials and newsletters.
There are four main types of games that the Maryland Lottery offers: Multi-Match, Cash4Life, Mega Millions, and Powerball. These games are based on traditional lottery schemes. With these games, players pick five out of 70 numbers in two fields. Depending on the game, the jackpot may range from $50 million to over $1 billion.
The Maryland Lottery holds twice-daily Pick 5 and Pick 4 drawings, as well as a daily evening drawing. Ticket sales are available at retail locations, and any winning ticket can be redeemed at the Maryland State Lottery headquarters in Baltimore. Tickets for a Mega Millions draw are $2. If you hit all six numbers, you can win up to $50 million. Alternatively, you can choose to participate in the Cash4Life, which has a top prize of $1,000 a week for life. You can play Cash4Life in nine states, including New Jersey, Washington, and Maryland.
The Maryland Lottery sells tickets through its retail outlets, as well as at other sites that provide online service. Lottery agents receive commissions for selling games. Agents can also participate in the Expanded Cashing Authority Program, which allows them to cash your winning ticket for up to $5,000. Syndicates pool tickets for increased chances of hitting the jackpot.
The state’s Gaming Control Commission oversees gaming regulations, licenses, contract negotiations, and venders. Casino employees and contractors are also regulated by the Commission. Some of the state’s gaming operations are private. To learn more about gambling in Maryland, visit the Department of Consumer Affairs website.
The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission was established in 1973 as the State Lottery Commission. Since October 1, 2017, the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has a records management program in place. The agency is led by a Director who is appointed by the Governor. He is also ex officio a nonvoting member of the Gaming Control Commission. Additionally, the Director is responsible for receiving advice and recommendations from the Senate and the Legislative Policy Committee of the General Assembly.
Aside from the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, there are several private entities involved in the operation of the lottery. Among these are private lottery licensees.