Oregonians have their own way of looking at things. There is a spirit of fun and adventure that runs through pretty much everything we do here. And when Oregon was struggling to rebound from a severe recession in the 1980s, Oregonians looked for a way to respond that did more that just make money.
The people of Oregon knew it would take some cash to jump-start the economy, but they weren't about to settle for business as usual. They also wanted to offer Oregonians a chance to have some fun! So, on November 6, 1984, Oregonians voted to create a state Lottery by a margin on two to one.
Then in May 1995, Oregon voters recognized a new need and approved a Constitutional amendment allowing Lottery profits to help fund our public schools. And as times have changed, Lottery dollars have been directed to help where they are needed, when they are needed. In November 1998 Oregon voters added state parks and salmon restoration projects to receive Lottery profits.
To earn the profits Oregon needs, our Constitution outlines the duty of the Oregon Lottery. This is reflected in the Lottery's Mission Statement: "Operate a Lottery with the highest standards of security and integrity to earn maximum profits for the people of Oregon commensurate with the public good."
To find out more about the specific documents which guide the Lottery's operation, please click on the following links:
Oregon Lottery -- Constitution - Article XV (4, 4a, 4b, 4c.)
Regulation of lotteries; state lottery; use of net proceeds from state lottery.
Oregon Lottery -- Revised Statutes - Chapter 461
Oregon Lottery -- Administrative Rules - Chapter 177
Operating the Lottery with the highest standards of integrity and security is a top priority of the Oregon Lottery. Oregon State Police (OSP) detectives are assigned to the Lottery's Security Section and are responsible for ensuring the Lottery's games and drawings are secure and fair. In addition, potential Lottery employees, retailers, and contractors go through an extensive background check before becoming associated with the Oregon Lottery.
Like other state agencies, the Director of the Oregon Lottery is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The Director is responsible for recommending the Lottery's annual strategic direction and budget to the Oregon Lottery Commission.
The five-member Lottery Commission provides oversight of the Oregon Lottery. Its members are also appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Commission members serve at the pleasure of the Governor and are appointed for terms of four years.
As determined by Oregon Statutes, at least one of the commissioners must have a minimum of five years experience in law enforcement and at least one of the commissioners must be a certified public accountant. No more than three members of the commission can be members of the same political party.
Oregon Lottery Director
Dale Penn
Current Lottery Commission members include:
Commissioner Steven Ungar, Chair
E-mail: steve.ungar@state.or.us
Commissioner Bill Ihle, Vice Chair
E-mail: bill.ihle@state.or.us
Commissioner Pamela Fogg
E-mail: pamela.fogg@state.or.us
Commissioner Amy Lowery
E-mail: amy.lowery@state.or.us
Commissioner LeRon Howland
E-mail: leron.howland@state.or.us
Follow I-5 to Salem, and take exit #253 (Santiam, Hwy 22)and head west. Turn right on Airport Road. Proceed north about a half-mile, and the Lottery office is on the right.
Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
All winning tickets and transactions are subject to Oregon state laws and Lottery Commission rules as published in the official administrative rule of the State of Oregon. Must be 18 years or older to play
(21 or older to play Video Lottery games). Lottery employees, contractors, and their family members are ineligible.
Oregon Lottery
500 Airport Road SE
Salem, OR 97301-5075
Phone
503-540-1000
Fax
503-540-1001
TTY
503-540-1068
Email
lottery.webcenter@state.or.us
Links
Lottery Commissioners
Current Lottery News
Since 1985, Oregon Lottery players have won over $11 billion in prizes! Here are some other interesting facts about Oregon Lottery winners*:
- Megabucks has created over 200 millionaires
- There are over 35,000 Keno winners each day
- There have been more than 3.5 million winning Win For Life tickets for over $15.4 million in prizes
- 263 Oregon Powerball players have won $100,000/$200,000 prizes**
* as of March 2006
** $100,000 prize was changed to $200,000 in April 2005
Out of every dollar played on Oregon Lottery games, over 96 cents goes back to Oregonians in the form of prizes and profits. On average, Video Lottery games pay 94 cents of every dollar played in prizes, while other Lottery games such as Scratch-its, Megabucks, and Powerball pay out an average of 66 cents out of every dollar in prizes.
A look at the history of the Oregon Lottery illustrates how the addition of new games over the years has continually increased Oregon Lottery revenues. Oregon's first Lottery games were sold on April 25, 1985 and the profits have been doing good things for Oregon ever since. Since 1985, the Oregon Lottery has introduced many unique and entertaining games. As games are introduced, sales go up, people win, and more profits go to the state.
The Oregon Lottery is recognized across North America as an industry leader. Innovative products that have been developed by the Oregon Lottery include:
- 1988 - Lotto America (changed to Powerball in 1992) - The Oregon Lottery was one of a handful of states involved in the development of this game that now offers some of the largest jackpots in the world.
- 1989 - Sports Action - The first and only sports lottery game offered in the United States.
- 1991 - 5-minute Keno - Originating in South Australia, Oregon was the first to offer this product in the United States.
- 1992 - Video Lottery - Oregon became one of the first state lotteries to sell Video Lottery games.
Meeting every two years, Oregon legislators decide which programs and projects will receive Lottery funds. Certain programs receive dedicated funding. For example, the Education Endowment Fund created by voters in 1995, automatically receives 15 percent of all Lottery profits, as does state parks and salmon restoration projects.
As the state has grown and times have changed, Lottery dollars have been directed to help where they are needed. Oregonians have voted to use Lottery profits for the things that help make Oregon a great place to live.
Since the Lottery began selling games in April 1985, Oregonians have directed over $4.2 billion in Lottery profits to go to programs and projects where they're needed, when they're needed.
It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play that makes it fun, or frustrating, or dangerous. It's true for all types of games, including gambling. Although most people play for fun, about 2.5 percent of Oregonians may have a gambling problem, and when they play, it's more than just a game.
Through a strong partnership between the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Lottery, Oregon has been recognized as a leader in the industry for its problem gambling awareness program. The Oregon Legislature has directed 1 percent of Lottery profits annually to fund problem gambling treatment. This program is managed through DHS. Their efforts have created an effective statewide treatment network that provides treatment free of charge.
The Oregon Lottery creates and funds an ongoing outreach program which includes TV, radio, and newspaper campaigns, plus brochures, and posters to educate and inform Oregonians and Oregon Lottery retailers about how to access the free treatment.
For more resources to help identify and understand problem gambling and the resources available for treatment providers, go to: