Ohio Raffle Laws: Complete Legal Guide for Nonprofits
Ohio regulates raffles through its charitable gaming laws, requiring specific licenses and imposing limits on prizes and frequency. This comprehensive guide covers everything nonprofits need to know about conducting legal raffles in the Buckeye State.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Ohio raffle laws as of 2025. Laws change frequently. Always consult with legal counsel or the Ohio Attorney General's office for current requirements specific to your situation.
Ohio Raffle Laws: Quick Facts
Who Can Hold Raffles:
Charitable organizations only
License Required:
Yes, from Attorney General
License Type:
Bingo license covers raffles
Single Prize Limit:
$5,000 (standard)
Special Raffle Prize:
Up to $55,000 (once per year)
50/50 Limit:
$2,500 to winner
Online Sales:
Not permitted
Minimum Existence:
2 years
Who Can Conduct Raffles in Ohio?
Ohio law restricts raffles to charitable organizations meeting specific criteria:
Eligible Organizations Must:
Be a charitable organization exempt from federal taxation under 501(c)(3)
OR be a veteran's, fraternal, or sporting organization exempt under 501(c)(4), (7), (8), (10), or (19)
Have been in continuous existence in Ohio for 2+ years
Maintain a dues-paying membership of at least 15 people
Be actively engaged in charitable activities
Additional Requirements
Must operate without profit to members
Cannot be organized primarily for gaming
Must conduct activities other than gaming
Religious organizations may qualify without 2-year requirement
Special annual raffle: One prize up to $55,000 per year
50/50 raffle: Winner's share cannot exceed $2,500
Total annual limit: Subject to gross receipts restrictions
Cash prizes: Allowed within limits
Special Annual Raffle
Organizations can conduct one special raffle per year with higher limits:
Single prize up to $55,000
Must designate as special raffle in advance
Additional reporting requirements
Cannot combine with other gaming events
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Conducting Your Raffle: Step-by-Step
Ohio Raffle Compliance Checklist
Verify organization has 2+ years existence
Confirm 501(c) tax-exempt status
Apply for bingo license from Attorney General
Complete background checks
Determine if using special annual raffle
Design tickets with required information
Set up financial tracking system
Train volunteers on regulations
Plan drawing procedure
Prepare reporting documents
Required Ticket Information
Each raffle ticket must display:
Name of charitable organization
License number
Date, time, and place of drawing
Prizes to be awarded
Price of ticket
Sequential number
Statement that winner need not be present
Operational Requirements
Workers: Must be volunteer members
Compensation: No one may be paid for raffle work
Age requirement: All workers must be 18+
Sales location: Limited to Ohio
Credit sales: Prohibited
Financial Management & Reporting
Record Keeping Requirements
Maintain These Records:
Itemized list of gross receipts
Itemized list of all expenses
Name and address of each prize winner
Amount of each prize awarded
Number of tickets sold
Copies of all advertisements
Bank statements and deposit records
Financial Restrictions
Must use net profit for charitable purposes
Cannot use more than 50% of gross profit for expenses
Must distribute profits within reasonable time
Cannot accumulate profits year to year
Reporting Requirements
Quarterly reports: Due to Attorney General
Annual report: Comprehensive financial statement
Record retention: Minimum 3 years
Audit rights: AG can audit at any time
50/50 Raffles in Ohio
Ohio allows 50/50 raffles with specific restrictions:
50/50 Raffle Rules:
Winner receives 50% of gross receipts
Winner's share cannot exceed $2,500
If pot would exceed $5,000, must cap sales
Popular at sporting events and festivals
Must follow all standard raffle rules
Common Violations and Penalties
Warning: Violations can result in license revocation, criminal charges, and fines. Penalties range from minor misdemeanors to felonies depending on the amount involved.
Common Violations
Exceeding prize limits
Conducting raffles without license
Using paid workers
Poor financial records
Failing to file reports
Misuse of proceeds
Selling tickets online
Enforcement Actions
Warning letters
License suspension or revocation
Civil penalties
Criminal prosecution
Restitution orders
Best Practices for Ohio Raffles
Plan Early: License applications take 30-60 days
Stay Small: Regular $5,000 prizes are easier than special raffles
Document Everything: Ohio AG conducts regular audits
Train Thoroughly: All volunteers must understand rules
Track 50/50s: Monitor totals to avoid exceeding $5,000 pot
File On Time: Late reports risk license renewal
Use Technology: Digital tools help track limits and sales
While Ohio's raffle regulations are restrictive compared to some states, they provide a clear framework for compliant charitable gaming. The key is understanding that raffles fall under bingo licensing and staying within the established prize limits.
Focus on building engaging raffles within the $5,000 regular prize limit, and save your one special $55,000 raffle for your biggest annual fundraising event. With proper licensing and careful adherence to the rules, your Ohio raffle can successfully support your charitable mission.
Ready to Run a Compliant Ohio Raffle?
rafflr helps you track prize limits, manage drawings, and maintain the detailed records required for Ohio compliance.