(a) (1) The Commission shall: (i) establish an annual fee of $425, to be paid by each video lottery operation licensee, for each video lottery terminal operated by the licensee during the year, based on the maximum number of terminal positions in use during the year; and (ii) distribute the fees collected under item (i) of this paragraph to the Problem Gambling Fund established in subsection (b) of this section. (2) The Commission may establish an annual fee of up to $500 for each table game to be paid by each video lottery operation licensee and distributed to the Problem Gambling Fund under subsection (b) of this section in order to ensure sufficient funds are available to provide requested services. (b) (1) (i) There is a Problem Gambling Fund in the Maryland Department of Health. (ii) The purpose of the Fund is primarily to provide funding for problem gambling treatment and prevention programs, including: 1. inpatient and residential services; 2. outpatient services; 3. intensive outpatient services; 4. continuing care services; 5. educational services; 6. services for victims of domestic violence; and 7. other preventive or rehabilitative services or treatment. (2) The Problem Gambling Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7-302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (3) Money in the Problem Gambling Fund shall be invested and reinvested by the Treasurer, and interest and earnings shall accrue to the Fund. (4) Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, expenditures from the Problem Gambling Fund shall be made only by the Maryland Department of Health to: (i) establish a 24-hour hotline for compulsive and problem gamblers and to provide counseling and other support services for compulsive and problem gamblers; (ii) establish an outreach program for compulsive and problem gamblers, including individuals who requested placement on the voluntary exclusion list established by the Commission under § 9-1A-24 of this subtitle, for the purpose of participating in problem gambling treatment and prevention programs; (iii) develop and implement free or reduced cost problem gambling treatment and prevention programs, including the programs established under Title 19, Subtitle 8 of the Health - General Article; and (iv) develop and implement free or reduced cost problem gambling treatment and prevention programs targeted at individuals with problem gambling issues related to sports wagering, participation in fantasy competitions, and other forms of wagering, whether legal or illegal, conducted in the State or through online means. (5) After satisfying the requirements of paragraph (4) of this subsection, any unspent funds in the Problem Gambling Fund may be expended by the Maryland Department of Health on drug and other addiction treatment services. (6) Expenditures from the Problem Gambling Fund shall be made in accordance with an appropriation approved by the General Assembly in the annual State budget or by the budget amendment procedure provided for in § 7-209 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
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