Bill would legalize online raffles for nonprofits, schools

COLUMBUS — Nonprofit organizations and schools would be allowed to conduct online raffles under legislation moving through the Ohio General Assembly.

House Bill 476 was introduced after the Ohio Attorney General’s Office sent cease-and-desist letters to several volunteer fire departments across the state, informing them that selling raffle tickets online is illegal under state law.

Jerry Houtz, president of the Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Firemen’s Association, said Tuesday that several volunteer fire departments in the region used online raffles before the attorney general’s office started sending cease-and-desist letters, and would likely restart them if H.B. 476 is enacted.

“It’s been a big fund-raiser for them,” Mr. Houtz said. “Any way that a small volunteer department can earn m