Delegation moves bill allowing pro‑sports raffles with five‑year sunset after brief discussion

Senate Bill 538, which would allow organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams to conduct raffles in Baltimore City, was moved as amended by the Baltimore City Senate delegation on Monday.

Witnesses representing the Orioles and the Ravens described the policy as an established fundraising tool that supports community programs. Testifiers included representatives for the Orioles and the Ravens and a community partner; speakers said proceeds are reinvested locally.

Members raised technical questions about language in the bill concerning fencing/geofence areas near stadiums and whether separate definitions were necessary for each team given differing lot and parking configurations. There was also discussion about a prior one‑year sunset and the delegation agreed to add a five‑year sunset to allow the policy to be re‑reviewed.

At the end of the meeting Senator McCray moved to advance the bill with the five‑year sunset; the motion was seconded and the delegation approved moving the bill as amended by voice vote. There was no recorded roll‑call tally in the hearing transcript.

Next steps: The delegation advanced SB 538 as amended; the bill will proceed according to legislative scheduling and committee processes.