Are Raffles Legal in Ohio? Who Can Hold One Under 2026 Law
Ohio lets certain tax-exempt groups and schools hold raffles without a license under ORC 2915.092. Everyone else is barred. Here is who qualifies and what the law requires in 2026.
Yes, for certain organizations. Ohio Revised Code Section 2915.092 lets 501(c)(3) charities, public and chartered nonpublic schools, and several other tax-exempt groups hold raffles without a bingo license. For anyone else, running a raffle is a crime called "illegal conduct of a raffle."
Last checked: October 27, 2026 against Ohio Revised Code Section 2915.092. Details can change.
This article summarizes the Ohio Revised Code as published by the Legislative Service Commission. It is general information, not legal advice. Before running a raffle, check with the Ohio Attorney General's Charitable Law Section or an Ohio attorney.
The Ohio raffle law
Ohio treats a raffle as a form of bingo. Section 2915.01(CC) defines a raffle as "a form of bingo in which the one or more prizes are won by one or more persons who have purchased a raffle ticket." Winners are chosen by drawing a ticket stub or detachable section from a receptacle holding stubs for all tickets sold. A free prize drawn from ticket stubs at a professional sporting event is excluded, if the ticket costs the same as on days with no giveaway.
The current version of Section 2915.092 took effect October 9, 2026, through House Bill 455 of the 136th General Assembly. Compared with the 2023 version, it drops college-preparatory boarding schools from the list of eligible raffle holders.
Who can hold a raffle
Under Section 2915.092(A)(1), a person or entity may conduct a raffle "to raise money for the person or entity" without a bingo license if it is:
- a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization;
- a school district, community school, STEM school or chartered nonpublic school; or
- a tax-exempt organization described in 501(c)(4), (c)(6), (c)(7), (c)(8), (c)(10) or (c)(19).
Section 2915.092(B) says that, except as allowed above, "no person shall conduct a raffle drawing that is for profit or a raffle drawing that is not for profit." That rules out individuals and ordinary businesses.
A note on sources: a 2018 Attorney General article lists the eligible categories without 501(c)(6) organizations. The current statute includes them, so this guide follows the statute.
Where the money has to go
Groups in the third category above, such as social welfare groups, business leagues, social clubs, fraternal societies and veterans' organizations, must give at least 50% of the raffle's net profit to a charitable purpose defined in Section 2915.01(V), or to a federal, state or local government agency (Section 2915.092(A)(2)). The Attorney General's article says that when a 501(c)(3) runs the raffle, 100% of the net profit can go to the organization.
No license, but records are required
The Attorney General's Charitable Law Section has said eligible organizations "do not need a license to conduct a raffle, but they must conduct raffles in compliance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2915." It points to Section 2915.10 for record-keeping on raffle receipts, expenses and prizes, with records kept at least three years.
Section 2915.092 itself does not set a prize cap, a limit on the number of raffles, or separate rules for selling tickets online. If you plan to sell tickets over the internet, ask the Attorney General's Charitable Law Section first.
Penalties
Running a raffle outside Section 2915.092(A) is "illegal conduct of a raffle." A first offense is a first-degree misdemeanor. With a prior conviction under the same division, it becomes a fifth-degree felony (Section 2915.092(C)). Under Ohio's sentencing statutes, a first-degree misdemeanor carries up to 180 days in jail (Section 2929.24) and a fine of up to $1,000 (Section 2929.28).
Raffle vs. sweepstakes
Ohio's definition turns on a "purchased" raffle ticket. A promotional sweepstakes is usually set up differently: it offers a free way to enter, so no one has to pay for a chance to win. That "no purchase necessary" design is the main line between the two categories. Whether a specific promotion is lawful still depends on its official rules and state law.
For a fuller comparison, see our guide to sweepstakes vs. raffles vs. lotteries, or browse our sweepstakes FAQ.
Bottom line
Raffles are legal in Ohio when a 501(c)(3), an eligible school, or a 501(c)(4), (6), (7), (8), (10) or (19) organization runs them, and no bingo license is needed. Non-(c)(3) groups must send at least half the net profit to a charitable purpose or government agency. Individuals and businesses cannot hold raffles, and a repeat violation is a felony.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to hold a raffle in Ohio?
No. Section 2915.092(A)(1) says eligible organizations do not need a bingo license to conduct a raffle that is not for profit, but they must follow Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2915.
Can an individual or business hold a raffle in Ohio?
No. Section 2915.092(B) says that, except for the eligible organizations listed in division (A), no person shall conduct a raffle drawing, whether for profit or not for profit.
Can Ohio schools hold raffles?
Yes. School districts, community schools, STEM schools and chartered nonpublic schools are on the list of eligible raffle holders in Section 2915.092(A)(1)(b).
What is the penalty for an illegal raffle in Ohio?
Illegal conduct of a raffle is a first-degree misdemeanor. If the offender has a prior conviction for the same violation, it is a fifth-degree felony.
How much of the raffle money must go to charity in Ohio?
Organizations described in 501(c)(4), (6), (7), (8), (10) or (19) must distribute at least 50% of net profit to a charitable purpose or a government agency. The Attorney General has said a 501(c)(3) may keep 100% of the net profit.