Bill > HB476

This bill authorizes online raffles under the Charitable Gaming Law, providing a comprehensive framework for how these online raffles can be conducted by various nonprofit entities. The bill establishes a two-tiered licensing system where entities with less than $250,000 in annual online raffle gross receipts must register with the attorney general, while those with $250,000 or more must obtain a full online raffle license. Online raffle platforms must be approved by the attorney general and undergo independent testing to ensure compliance. Entities conducting online raffles must use an approved platform, conduct the drawing at least 24 hours after ticket sales close, and can only award prizes in the form of tangible personal property. Participants must be at least 18 years old and Ohio residents. The bill requires detailed record-keeping and mandates that a significant portion of net profits be distributed to charitable purposes, with specific distribution requirements based on the type of organization and the amount of gross receipts. The bill is declared an emergency measure to ensure charitable organizations can continue raising necessary funds, and it will go into immediate effect upon passage. The legislation amends and repeals several existing sections of the Ohio Revised Code to integrate these new online raffle provisions into the state's charitable gaming regulations.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb476