Football squares raffle rules in Ohio
Last reviewed July 10, 2026
Ohio defines a raffle as a form of bingo whose winners are “determined by drawing a ticket stub or other detachable section from a receptacle containing ticket stubs ... corresponding to all tickets sold” (Rev. Code § 2915.01). A football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not that drawing, so it is not an Ohio raffle — it reads as an unauthorized “scheme of chance.” A true drawing-based charitable raffle is still fine (a non-501(c)(3) must give at least half of net profit to charity). Get legal advice before selling a ticket.
| Legal status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Ohio Revised Code §2915.092 |
| Register first? | No |
| Online ticket sales | Limited |
| Proceeds to charity | ≥50% to charity (100% for 501(c)(3)) |
| Regulator | Ohio Attorney General — Charitable Law Section |
Are charitable football raffles legal in Ohio?
Ohio defines a raffle as a form of bingo whose winners are “determined by drawing a ticket stub or other detachable section from a receptacle containing ticket stubs ... corresponding to all tickets sold” (Rev. Code § 2915.01). A football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not that drawing, so it is not an Ohio raffle — it reads as an unauthorized “scheme of chance.” A true drawing-based charitable raffle is still fine (a non-501(c)(3) must give at least half of net profit to charity). Get legal advice before selling a ticket.
Ohio's charitable raffles are governed by Ohio Revised Code §2915.092. Regulator: Ohio Attorney General — Charitable Law Section.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in Ohio?
Ohio doesn't require a special license to run a raffle if your organization is a tax-exempt charitable, school, veterans', fraternal, or sporting organization under 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), or (19). Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Ohio may still need to complete the Attorney General's charitable registration separately.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in Ohio?
Ohio authorizes eligible organizations to conduct raffles but doesn't clearly authorize online ticket sales; raffles are generally run in person. Confirm any electronic sales with the Ohio Attorney General's Charitable Law Section.
Who can run a charitable raffle in Ohio?
Charitable organizations, public / nonpublic / community schools, and veterans', fraternal, or sporting organizations that are tax-exempt under 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), or (19).
How do you stay compliant in Ohio?
- Confirm your organization is tax-exempt under one of the eligible 501(c) sections.
- If you're not a 501(c)(3), give at least 50% of the net profit to a 501(c)(3) or government agency.
- Run the raffle in person; don't assume online sales are allowed.
- Keep clear records of the proceeds and how they're used.
A 501(c)(3) organization may keep all of the net profit for its charitable purposes. A non-501(c)(3) eligible organization — for example a (c)(4), (c)(7), or (c)(10) — must distribute at least 50% of the net profit to a 501(c)(3) or to a government agency.
Frequently asked questions
Are football squares legal in Ohio?
Ohio defines a raffle as a form of bingo whose winners are “determined by drawing a ticket stub or other detachable section from a receptacle containing ticket stubs ... corresponding to all tickets sold” (Rev. Code § 2915.01). A football squares game whose winner comes from the game score is not that drawing, so it is not an Ohio raffle — it reads as an unauthorized “scheme of chance.” A true drawing-based charitable raffle is still fine (a non-501(c)(3) must give at least half of net profit to charity). Get legal advice before selling a ticket.
Do you need to register to run a raffle in Ohio?
Ohio doesn't require a special license to run a raffle if your organization is a tax-exempt charitable, school, veterans', fraternal, or sporting organization under 501(c)(3), (4), (7), (8), (10), or (19). Charitable organizations that solicit contributions in Ohio may still need to complete the Attorney General's charitable registration separately.
Can you sell raffle tickets online in Ohio?
Ohio authorizes eligible organizations to conduct raffles but doesn't clearly authorize online ticket sales; raffles are generally run in person. Confirm any electronic sales with the Ohio Attorney General's Charitable Law Section.
How much of a raffle's money must go to charity in Ohio?
A 501(c)(3) organization may keep all of the net profit for its charitable purposes. A non-501(c)(3) eligible organization — for example a (c)(4), (c)(7), or (c)(10) — must distribute at least 50% of the net profit to a 501(c)(3) or to a government agency.
Official OH source
This is general information, not legal advice, and raffle laws change. Confirm the current rules with the Ohio Attorney General — Charitable Law Section before you sell any tickets.
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