According to the Ohio definitions in statute 2915.02 around gambling, “No person shall do any of the following:

(1) Engage in bookmaking, or knowingly engage in conduct that facilitates bookmaking;
(2) Establish, promote, or operate or knowingly engage in conduct that facilitates any game of chance conducted for profit or any scheme of chance;
(3) Knowingly procure, transmit, exchange, or engage in conduct that facilitates the procurement, transmission, or exchange of information for use in establishing odds or determining winners in connection with bookmaking or with any game of chance conducted for profit or any scheme of chance.
(4) Engage in betting or in playing any scheme or game of chance as a substantial source of income or livelihood...”
Like with most states, the law is written to guard against individuals hoping to start a business where they make a profit from gambling.

The state has provided a few licensed gambling options and encourages you to stay on the right side of the law by visiting one of these establishments, rather than getting involved in some illicit scheme instead.

The statutes go on to outline more specific details around illegal gambling and end off with the punishment that can be expected, should you be prosecuted and found guilty:

“Whoever violates this section is guilty of gambling, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of any gambling offense, gambling is a felony of the fifth degree. Notwithstanding this division, failing to file a sweepstakes terminal device monthly report as required by division (F) of this section or the semiannual report required by division (G) of this section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.”

With 11 brick and mortar and a healthy charitable gaming market, the state considers that, for the moment, there are sufficient options available within the borders of Ohio to ensure that its residents have access to this American pastime.

For your own sake, enjoy games of chance in licensed establishments and all will be well. You get the opportunity to try your luck without the risk of finding yourself in a court of law.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission is responsible for the licensing, regulation, investigation, and prosecution over all people engaging in casino gaming in Ohio. The Commission also adopts administrative rules and resolutions which establish the standards and procedures for casino operators, vendors, and licensed gaming industry employees.

Applying for a gambling license in the State of Ohio is a lengthy and expensive process. Aside from giving the Commission permission to investigate your personal history and financial information at a federal level. Requests for fingerprints, photo identikits and address information dating back over the last 10 years is also not uncommon.

Criminal prosecutions, especially anything related to money, won’t help your application process and, since full disclosure is required, you and the rest of your board should consider the implications of making this application very seriously.

Depending on whether you intend to distribute or manufacture gambling devices, your application will go through similar scrutiny so that the state can do everything it can to protect its residents from any sort of illegal activity.

When it comes to charitable gambling, this is administered through the Ohio Attorney General's office and their website specifies the following:

The Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section regulates bingo throughout the state and licenses nonprofit organizations eligible to use bingo as a fundraising mechanism. It also licenses bingo manufacturers and distributors. Bingo requirements are outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2915 and sections of the Ohio Administrative Code.
In Ohio there are three types of bingo licenses:

● Type I: Traditional bingo (numbered balls in a hopper corresponding to bingo sheets)
● Type II: Instant bingo tickets sold in conjunction with a traditional bingo session
● Type III: Instant bingo tickets sold apart from a traditional bingo session 
Charities may contract with retail establishments, such as convenience stores, bars, and restaurants, to sell instant bingo tickets. This is permitted with the appropriate license from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

You may be required to report on the number of participants, the value of the prizes, and proof of the amount of money donated to the non-profit organization so it is recommended that records are kept accordingly. If you are wanting to hold a raffle or bingo event in Ohio, make sure you have completed and filed all the necessary application forms well in advance.