§ 2315.02. Gambling; exceptions for charitable organizations.

(A)

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 scheme or game of chance conducted for profit;

(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 scheme or game of chance conducted for profit;

(4)

Engage in betting or in playing any scheme or game of chance, except a charitable bingo game, as a substantial source of income or livelihood;

(5)

With purpose to violate division (A)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section, acquire, possess, control, or operate any gambling device.

(B)

For purposes of division (A)(1) of this section, a person facilitates bookmaking if he in any way knowingly aids an illegal bookmaking operation, including, without limitation, placing a bet with a person engaged in or facilitating illegal bookmaking. For purposes of division (A)(2) of this section, a person facilitates a scheme or game of chance conducted for profit if he in any way knowingly aids in the conduct or operation of any such scheme or game, including, without limitation, playing any such scheme or game.

(C)

This section does not prohibit conduct in connection with gambling expressly permitted by law including but not limited to Chapter 2915 of the Revised Code.

(ORC 2915.02)

(D)

Whoever violates this section is guilty of gambling, a misdemeanor of the first degree. This section shall not apply if the offender has previously been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any gambling offense as defined in Section 2915.01 of the Revised Code.

(Ord. 2535-94.)