517.08 RAFFLES.

   (a)   (1)   Subject to subsection (a)(2) of this section, a charitable organization, a public school, a chartered nonpublic school, a community school, or a veteran’s organization, fraternal organization, or sporting organization that is exempt from federal income taxation under subsection 501(a) and is described in subsection 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10), or 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code may conduct a raffle to raise money for the organization or school and does not need a license to conduct bingo in order to conduct a raffle drawing that is not for profit.

      (2)   If a charitable organization that is described in subsection (a)(1) of this section, but that is not also described in subsection 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, conducts a raffle, the charitable organization shall distribute at least fifty per cent of the net profit from the raffle to a charitable purpose described in Section 517.01(z) or to a department or agency of the federal government, the state, or any political subdivision.

   (b)   Except as provided in subsection (a) or (b) 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)