Maryland Lottery offers a variety of games. There are more than 50 pre-printed scratch-off games. The state also participates in the popular Powerball lottery. Tickets cost $2, and winning prizes range from $1 million to $20 million. To win the jackpot, players must match the six numbers drawn. A second, randomly generated set of five numbers from 1 to 69 is also played. Occasionally, there are special promotions for higher multiplier games, which offer super-sized jackpots.
Powerball is a lottery offered in many states, including Maryland, where tickets are available at authorized retail establishments. Players can select one, two, three, or all four numbers from a field of six. Each number is assigned a probability. This probability is equal to the chances of each of the other numbers being picked.
The Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency is responsible for regulating the Lottery. The agency is also responsible for regulating privately held gaming businesses. It is also in charge of regulating on-line fantasy competitions and smaller ancillary gambling programs. Additionally, the agency maintains a records management program. In addition, the Director of the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency can enter into agreements with other political entities.
The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency has eight divisions, each responsible for a specific aspect of the Lottery. Regulatory Oversight oversees the casino operations, table games, sports wagering, and lottery. Similarly, Creative Services evaluates advertising effectiveness, informs consumers about new products and services, and purchases advertising space. Information Technology provides technical assistance and supports the infrastructure of the agency’s website. These divisions also address customer complaints. Casino Compliance is responsible for ensuring compliance with the State’s regulations, and for resolving problems with customer service.
The Maryland Amusement Game Advisory Committee advises the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission on the legality of amusement game products and practices. In addition to overseeing the Lottery, the Committee is charged with advising the commission on the technical aspects of the amusement game industry.
The State Lottery and Gaming control agency is also tasked with regulating gambling in casinos and other gaming facilities in the state. A central computer system controls the games on video lottery terminals, which are almost like slot machines. Winning tickets are then redeemed at the state’s six licensed casinos. Other private operators can also be licensed to operate games on video lottery terminals.
The Maryland Lottery Division is also responsible for the recruitment and training of new outlets, as well as the promotion of the Lottery. The Division ensures that every location has the proper materials for selling the Lottery. Besides these, the Division is in charge of ensuring that all Lottery retailers are compliant with the laws and regulations. For example, retailers are required to make appointments for claiming larger prize money.
The Lottery is also responsible for administering the Responsible Gambling Program. Among the many tasks associated with the Program, the Responsible Gambling Program Director is in charge of the Voluntary Exclusion Program, which is designed to help those who are in danger of becoming a problem gambler. Moreover, the Responsible Gambling Program Director is the primary liaison to the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling.