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According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2915.11(A), a person who is under 18 may sell raffle tickets as long as that person is not selling raffle tickets at the site of the raffle. No statute explicitly prohibits a person under 18 years of age from purchasing tickets for a raffle. Also, no statute prohibits the sale of raffle tickets to a person under 18 years of age, as long as the raffle itself is permissible under Ohio law. For a more detailed explanation specific to public schools, please see Ohio Attorney General Opinion No. 2004-042

If a 501(c)(3) organization conducts the raffle, 100 percent of the net profit from the raffle can go to the organization. If a 501(c)(4), (c)(7), (c)(8), (c)(10), or (c)(19) conducts the raffle, the organization must distribute at least 50 percent of the net profit to a charitable purpose described in Ohio Revised Code Section 2915.01(v) or to a department or agency of the federal government, the state, or any political subdivision.

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2915 is silent as to what types of items may be raffled. However, other laws involving the specific item you want to raffle may apply, so you may need to seek information from other organizations. For example, if you want to raffle a gun, you may want to contact the Ohio Field Offices of the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. If you want to raffle a car, you may want to contact your local title office. If you want to raffle alcohol, you may want to contact the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control. If you are considering raffling a house, there are many issues to consider, such as ensuring the organization has a clear title to the home. Because each situation is different, contact private legal counsel regarding your specific circumstance.

Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2915.10, all organizations conducting raffles have recordkeeping requirements related to expenses and prizes. These records must be kept at least three years.