Navigating Oregon's Gambling Laws A Complete Overview

History and Timeline for Oregon Online Gambling

The timeline weaves through decades, each chapter contributing to the evolving landscape of gambling within the Beaver State.

• 1933: Legalization of Pari-Mutuel Betting Oregon takes its initial step into the realm of gambling by legalizing pari-mutuel betting, opening the door for horse racing enthusiasts to wager on their favorites.
• 1971: Introduction of State Lottery A significant milestone arrives with the introduction of Oregon's first official state lottery, marking a pivotal moment in the state's endorsement of government-sanctioned gambling.
• 1984: Establishment of Oregon State Lottery The voters of Oregon approve the establishment of the state lottery, ushering in a new era of expanded gambling options and opportunities for residents.
• 1989: Legalization of Video Lottery Terminals Oregon pioneers the authorization of video lottery terminals (VLTs), distinguishing itself as one of the first states to embrace this innovative form of gambling technology.
• 1992: Passage of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) While not specific to Oregon, the enactment of PASPA at the federal level reverberates nationwide, influencing the landscape of sports betting across the country.
• 2004: Approval of Tribal-State Gaming Compacts Oregon takes a collaborative step with Native American tribes, entering into compacts that pave the way for the establishment of tribal casinos, further diversifying the gambling offerings.
• 2007: Statewide Smoking Ban in Casinos A significant regulatory shift occurs with the implementation of a statewide smoking ban, impacting public places, including casinos, in alignment with evolving health and social norms.
• 2018: Repeal of PASPA In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court repeals PASPA, granting states, including Oregon, the authority to legalize sports betting within their borders.
• 2019: Launch of Sports Betting Oregon seizes the opportunity presented by the repeal of PASPA, introducing legal sports betting through the state lottery, expanding the spectrum of gambling activities available to residents.
• 2021: Expansion of Online Gambling Options The state legislature reflects the growing trend of digital gaming by considering bills to expand online gambling options, acknowledging the dynamic shift towards online platforms in the modern era.

Legalization of Sports Betting Oregon

The trajectory of sports betting legalization in Oregon is marked by significant milestones, underscoring the state's embrace of this dynamic industry. The journey begins in 1989 when the Oregon State Lottery introduces Sports Action, a parlay game allowing betting on the NFL and NBA, with a notable exception for games involving the Portland Trail Blazers. Fast-forwarding to 2005, the Oregon legislature approves a bill to phase out Sports Action by 2007. A pivotal moment unfolds on May 14, 2018, as the U.S. Supreme Court deems the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional, opening the floodgates for states to legalize sports betting.

In the wake of this transformative ruling, Oregon leaps into action. On Aug. 27, 2019, the Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City pioneers legal, in-person sports betting, marking the official launch of sports betting in the state. The momentum continues with the opening of Oregon's second retail sportsbook at The Mill Casino in North Bend on Oct. 29, 2019. However, it is Jan. 18, 2022, that sees a significant shift as DraftKings officially assumes control of the Scoreboard sportsbook application, becoming the sole online sportsbook in Oregon.

Notably, the advocacy group Sports Oregon, including corporate giant Nike, expresses support for the expansion of Oregon's sports betting market on Aug. 27, 2022. The state's commitment to sports betting reaches new heights as it reports nearly $500 million in yearly sports betting handle for 2022 on Jan. 12, 2023, signaling a thriving and lucrative industry. This journey from the introduction of Sports Action to the present-day online sports betting landscape exemplifies Oregon's progressive stance and strategic adaptations within the evolving realm of sports betting.