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.

   (d)   Forfeiture of property is specifically authorized herein pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2981 et seq. or pursuant to the Codified Ordinances of the City of Youngstown.

(Ord. 09-225. Passed 10-7-09.)