Oregon Lottery Scratch-its: Easy, Last-Minute Gifts

Salem, Ore. – Every holiday season, many Oregonians share the spirit of giving with Scratch-its. Available at hundreds of retailers across the state, Oregon Lottery tickets are easy-to-give and make great gift tags, tips for service workers, gifts for white elephant exchanges, or a last-minute surprise. This year’s Scratch-it designs were created by Oregon Lottery staff and start at $1 to purchase. With five festive themes to choose from, you can “Build a Snowman” with a friend or wish someone a “Meowy Catsmas.”

But there is one important consideration – make sure the gift’s recipient is at least 18 years old.

“Lottery tickets make great stocking stuffers and can be part of fun traditions, but they are not for minors,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells.

To promote gifting lottery tickets responsibly, lotteries worldwide partner with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors. The Oregon Lottery has been part of this annual campaign for over a decade. Oregon Lottery proceeds also provide funding for free, confidential, and effective problem gambling treatment programs statewide.

For adults picking up lottery Scratch-its, prizes can range from a few dollars to $250,000. In recent years, some of the holiday-themed $5, $10 and $20 tickets sold out in mid-December, so shoppers are advised to purchase while supplies last. This month, Shawn Carroll of Albany won $150,000 playing “Under the Mistletoe.” The postal carrier plans to use the prize to pay bills and go on an Alaskan cruise with his wife.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. Since 1992, over $118 million in Lottery dollars has been directed to fund problem gambling treatment and awareness in Oregon. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org.

Contact:
Melanie Mesaros
Oregon Lottery
971-719-0464
Melanie.Mesaros@lottery.oregon.gov