517.08 RAFFLES.

   (a)    (1)    Subject to subsection (a)(2) of this section, a person or entity that is exempt from federal income taxation under IRC 501(a) and is described in IRC 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6), 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10), or 501(c)(19) may conduct a raffle to raise money for the person or entity and does not need a license to conduct bingo in order to conduct a raffle drawing that is not for profit.

      (2)    If a person or entity that is described in subsection (a)(1) of this section, but that is not also described in IRC 501(c)(3), conducts a raffle, the person or entity shall distribute at least fifty percent (50%) of the net profit from the raffle to a charitable purpose described in Section 517.01(j) or to a department or agency of the federal government, the state, or any political subdivision.

   (b)    Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, no person shall conduct a raffle drawing that is for profit or a raffle drawing that is not for profit.

   (c)    Whoever violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of illegal conduct of a raffle. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, illegal conduct of a raffle is a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of a violation of subsection (b) of this section, illegal conduct of a raffle is a felony and shall be prosecuted under appropriate State law. (ORC 2915.092; Ord. 102-23. Passed 6-29-23.)