Underage gambling has become a problem in the state of Maryland, with individuals under the age of 21 gaining access to the gaming floor at four of the state’s gambling facilities. Both the Maryland Live casino and the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore have to pay fines to settle allegations of allowing underage individuals entry into the casino. Consent agreements have now been put in place between the four casinos and the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission to get a handle on the issue of underage gaming.

Maryland Live! had to pay a fine of $1,000 while the Horseshoe Casino Baltimore owed $8,000 for their case of underage gaming. Also metioned in the report were issues involving Hollywood Casino Perryville and The Casino at Ocean Downs.

In the agreements, the casinos have stated they will take corrective action to ensure that patrons are at least 21 years of age. Many of the agreements included sanctions based on prior offenses. The Horseshoe had to pay the most in fines based on five separate occasions of underage gaming at the facility.

Individuals are using fake IDS or using different access points to gain entry to the gaming floor. For example, at the Horseshoe, fake IDS were used to gain access to the casino while others used the smoking terrace as a way to enter the facility, by climbing over a structure to reach the casino.

The agreements have been placed on the agenda for the monthly meeting of the Commission. Final approval must be given by the commission before the agreements will be valid.