Oregon Lottery

The Oregon Lottery is run by the government of the U.S. state of Oregon. It is a member of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL).

The Oregon Lottery was enabled by an amendment to the Oregon Constitution, approved by voters in the 1984 general election. The Lottery began in 1985; eventually offering two types of games: scratch-it tickets, and a drawing game, Megabucks. The Lottery has introduced many games, while removing those that were not successful. In fiscal year 2006, the Lottery's sales reached $1 billion for the first time.

The following games (including those retired) have been offered by the Lottery:

The allocation of lottery profits is determined by Oregon voters, who approve the broad categories that may receive Oregon Lottery funds. Constitutional amendments have allowed using lottery funds for economic development (1984), public education (1995) and natural resource programs (1998). The Oregon State Legislature and Governor appropriate the remainder of lottery funds within those categories during each legislative session. As of 2012, over $5 billion of lottery proceeds have gone to public education, $2 billion to economic development, $900 million to natural resources (including Oregon State Parks and watersheds), and over $50 million for problem gambling treatment programs.

Oregon dedicates about 1% of lottery proceeds for problem gambling prevention and treatment programs.

Like other U.S. lotteries (and gambling in general), the Oregon Lottery has drawn its share of controversy. Topics of debate include: the controversial 'morality' of legalized, government-sponsored gambling; the disproportionate economic impact that gambling (of all kinds) has on the poor; and, the suitability of lottery dollars as an alternative (to taxes) revenue source. Several issues have been unique to Oregon, however.

Other controversies include the 1992 introduction of video poker machines, which may be installed in a wide number of locations, such as bars and other adults-only establishments. In 2005, the lottery added electronic slot machines.

...
Wikipedia