Ohio Fire Departments Halt Online Raffles after Attorney General Intervention
Lawrence Township, OH – several Ohio fire departments, including those in north Lawrence, Wintersville, and south Zanesville, have been ordered to immediately stop conducting online raffles. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office issued cease-and-desist letters, citing noncompliance with state raffle laws. This action casts a shadow over a fundraising method that has proven remarkably accomplished for these departments.
A surge in Online Fundraising
the North Lawrence Fire Department spearheaded the online raffle trend last fall, initially with a VIP package for a Browns-Steelers football game. Lieutenant Brandon Johnston explained that the initiative quickly gained traction, expanding to include prizes like televisions, grills, and kayaks. We started looking at different avenues and ideas to do and started with raffling off a Browns-Steelers VIP package,”
Johnston said. Ever since then, this whole thing has taken off.
The department has reportedly raised approximately $500,000 as the program’s inception.
The success extended to high-value prizes, with raffles featuring cars and even a $300,000 credit toward a new home appearing on the North Lawrence fire Department’s Facebook page. A key draw for participants was the department’s commitment to covering all associated taxes, ensuring winners received the full prize value.
Did You Know? ohio law requires raffle tickets to be physical, paper-based documents with detachable stubs, and purchasers must be physically present to buy them.
The attorney General’s Ruling
The cease-and-desist letter, dated August 6, specifically references Ohio Revised code 2915(CC), which defines a “raffle.” According to the letter, the online format utilized by the fire departments does not meet the legal definition. The core issue lies in the requirement for physical raffle tickets with detachable stubs and the need for in-person purchases.
The letter explicitly states: Your organization’s raffles do not comply with these requirements. Therefore, you must immediately CEASE and DESIST conducting any raffle, including online “raffles” that do not comply with Ohio law.
this ruling impacts not only North Lawrence but also the Wintersville and South Zanesville fire departments.
Departments Respond and Seek Clarity
Despite the legal challenge, the North Lawrence Fire Department maintains it acted in good faith. Johnston emphasized the department’s desire to avoid burdening local taxpayers and believed their legal counsel had cleared the fundraising method. Really at the end of the day, we hate asking our taxpayers for more money,”
Johnston stated. We found this as an possibility to have fun, win some great prizes and we can basically generate funding we’ve never seen before.
The department is now seeking clarification from the Attorney General’s Office to understand the specific discrepancies and potential avenues for compliance.
Community members have voiced support for the raffles. Joanna Devore, a raffle winner who secured a $1,000 Giant Eagle gift card, highlighted the convenience and impact of the online format. My daughter’s wedding is next week so I called her and we’re going to cater food from Giant Eagle for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready,”
devore shared. Worked out perfect.
She lives 45 minutes from the fire department, making in-person ticket purchases impractical.
Pro Tip: Before participating in any online raffle, especially those supporting charitable causes, verify the organization’s compliance with local and state regulations.
Looking Ahead
The future of online fundraising for these fire departments remains uncertain. They have temporarily suspended the raffles while awaiting guidance from the Attorney General’s Office. The situation raises broader questions about adapting fundraising strategies to modern technology while adhering to established legal frameworks. What changes will be necessary to allow these departments to continue this successful fundraising model? And how will this impact their ability to secure vital equipment and services for the community?
| Department | Estimated Funds Raised (As Fall 2023) | Key Prizes Offered | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Lawrence Fire Department | $500,000 | Browns-Steelers VIP Package, TVs, Grills, Kayaks, Car, $300,000 Home Credit | Raffles Suspended |
| Wintersville Fire Department | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Raffles Suspended |
| south Zanesville Fire Department | Not disclosed | Not Disclosed | Raffles Suspended |
Background on Charitable Fundraising in Ohio
Ohio has a long tradition of charitable giving, with numerous regulations governing fundraising activities. These regulations are designed to protect donors and ensure transparency in how funds are used. The state’s laws regarding raffles are particularly strict, reflecting concerns about potential misuse and the need for accountability.The rise of online fundraising presents new challenges for regulators, as conventional laws may not adequately address the complexities of digital platforms. This case highlights the ongoing tension between innovation in fundraising and the need to maintain legal compliance.
Frequently Asked questions About Ohio Fire Department Raffles
- What is the main reason the fire departments were told to stop their raffles? The online raffles did not comply with Ohio law requiring physical tickets and in-person purchases.
- How much money did the north Lawrence Fire Department raise through online raffles? The department estimates raising approximately $500,000 since last fall.
- What is the Ohio Attorney General’s Office requiring for raffles to be legal? Raffle tickets must be made of paper with detachable stubs, and purchases must be made in person.
- Are other fire departments affected by this ruling? Yes, the Wintersville and South Zanesville fire departments also received cease-and-desist letters.
- What is the next step for the affected fire departments? They are seeking clarification from the Attorney general’s Office to understand how to comply with the law.
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