HB 605 Summary

• Authorizes the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to investigate violations of section 2915.02 of the Revised Code involving schemes of chance and electronic gambling devices.

• Expands the definition of "scheme of chance" to include use of electronic devices to reveal game results when valuable consideration is paid, with nine specific circumstances that trigger this classification (such as less than 50% goods/services being used, more than 50% of prizes revealed through electronic devices simulating casino games, or payouts exceeding 20% of gross revenue).

• Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules describing prohibited schemes of chance using electronic devices and to establish registration and monthly reporting requirements for sweepstakes terminal device operators, including filing fees and information submission.

• Prohibits conducting sweepstakes with sweepstakes terminal devices without first obtaining an annual certificate of registration from the Attorney General and filing monthly reports by the tenth of each month.

• Elevates gambling violations from misdemeanor of the first degree to felony of the fifth degree for first offenses and felony of the fourth degree for repeat offenders; establishes misdemeanor of the first degree penalty for failing to file required sweepstakes monthly reports.