Oregon Lotteries

In 1984, Oregon voters approved ballot measures 4 and 5, creating the Oregon Lottery. The following year the Oregon Lottery issued its first "Scratch-it" ticket game. The Oregon Lottery Commission manages the Lottery, while the Gaming Division of the Oregon State Police is responsible for enforcement of Lottery legislation and providing background investigations of all prospective employees, Lottery game retailers, Lottery vendors and Lottery contractors. Lottery net profits are distributed to the Oregon Economic Development Fund to benefit various public programs.

The Lottery's current product offerings include scratch and draw games. The Lottery has approximately 3,800 retailers selling traditional lottery tickets and approximately 12,000 video lottery terminals (VLTs) installed at establishments throughout the state. The VLTs include both poker and line games.

The Oregon constitution channels lottery profits into economic development, public education, state parks and wildlife preservation. It requires that at least 84% of the Lottery's annual sales be returned to the public in the form of prizes (50%) to players. The Lottery currently pays out traditional game (Megabucks, Powerball, Mega Millions, Scratch-its, Keno, Win for Life, Lucky Lines and Pick 4) prizes at a combined rate of 64%. VLT prizes pay out at a combined rate of 93%. Administrative expenses are capped at 16% of annual revenues; however, Lottery administrative expenses historically have been below 4%. The remaining revenue helps fund programs benefiting the public good.

In November 2018, the Oregon Lottery released a new smart phone application that provides players with a way to scan tickets to see if they are winners, find the closest Lottery retailer, and get information about Oregon Lottery games and promotions.

Although regulated by the Oregon Lottery, Casino City considers VLTs to be a casino and card room gaming activity.