HAGERSTOWN – The Washington County Gaming Commission has announced the allocation of its fiscal 2025 Gaming Fund, distributing $2,3 million from tip jar gambling activities, a decrease of $66,000 compared to the previous year.
Maryland state law mandates that the fund be split evenly between the Washington County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association and local charitable organizations. Accordingly, the fire and rescue association received approximately $1.174 million, with $525,700 disbursed in January and $648,000 in July.
The remaining $1.174 million was distributed among 51 of 75 qualifying nonprofit organizations. The Community Free Clinic received the largest grant of $200,000, followed by the Washington County Community Action Council with $100,000, and REACH of Washington County with $75,000.
The commission reviewed 86 funding requests totaling over $3.2 million from providers of health and human services, emergency services, animal welfare, civic and community development, athletics, recreation, and educational or cultural activities.
Of these, 21 applications were fully funded, 34 were partially funded, and 31 were denied.
In tip jar gaming, players purchase paper tickets or “tip jars” at licensed bars, restaurants, or fraternal organizations. Each ticket provides a chance to win cash or prizes based on predetermined odds. After payouts, proceeds are collected as revenue and distributed as part of the Gaming Fund.
The allocation process involved a public hearing in June 2025 and a one-day workshop in July 2025 to finalize funding decisions. For more details on the Gaming Fund or the Washington County Gaming Commission, readers may click here.
