517.03 OPERATING A GAMBLING HOUSE.

   (a)   No person, being the owner or lessee, or having custody, control or supervision of premises, shall:

      (1)   Use or occupy such premises for gambling in violation of Section 517.02 ;

      (2)   Recklessly permit such premises to be used or occupied for gambling in violation of Section 517.02 .

   (b)    Whoever violates this section is guilty of operating a gambling house, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a gambling offense, operating a gambling house is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law.

   (c)   Premises used or occupied in violation of this section constitute a nuisance subject to abatement pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 3767. (ORC 2915.03)