(a) A person who knowingly permits any real estate, building, room, tent, vehicle, boat, or other property whatsoever owned by him or under his control to be used as a gambling place or who rents or lets any such property with a view or expectation that it be so used commits the offense of keeping a gambling place.

(b) A person who commits the offense of keeping a gambling place shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.