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Ohio Legalizes Gambling in Fraternal, Veterans' Club

"…The changes to the state's Charitable Gambling Law, which go into effect April 2, legalize much of the illegal gaming that has been going on for years inside many of those clubs.

"…Over the years, gambling at some neighborhood lodges has become a sort of a "don't ask, don't tell" routine: a raffle at the bar among members or instant bingo cards at the neighborhood fish fry.

"From time to time, such places were raided by Ohio Department of Public Safety liquor agents. Gambling in Ohio is legal only under very limited conditions: by the state-authorized lottery, by charitable organizations running licensed bingo games, or when all the profits go to certain IRS-recognized charities.

"…Dwindling memberships have meant fewer dues, and many of the organizations have reached beyond the traditional steak dinners and chicken barbecues to meet basic operational costs, such as utilities, said Gary Arquette, an investigator with the Lucas County Veterans Services Commission.

"…The new law allows instant bingo cards, raffles, and punch boards but clearly delineates where the proceeds go: 50 percent to an independent charity, 20 percent for an organization's own charity work, and 30 percent for operating the games.

"…Other charitable organizations, such as churches, must give 70 percent to charity. Thirty percent may be kept for expenses…"

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