Oregon Lottery: Doing Good Things Since 1985

40 Years of Doing Good Things

Back in the ’80s, it was all about the economy. Oregon voters approved the creation of the Oregon Lottery to help fund projects to grow and strengthen Oregon’s economic outlook.

Since then, voters have extended lottery proceeds to several additional programs that make a difference in Oregon including education, veteran services, state parks and more.

So Many Winners

From a few dollars on a Scratch-it to a jaw-dropping $1.3 billion Powerball jackpot just last year, the wins keep coming for Oregon Lottery players. Every day, all across the state, players just like you win prizes big and small. Regardless of the size of the win, we celebrate them all!

Today, 92.5 cents of every dollar the Lottery takes in goes right back to players in the form of prizes. Retailer commissions, support for state programs, and operating expenses are all paid from the remainder. After all, it’s the dream of a win that keeps you playing, and your play helps Oregon thrive. It’s what we mean when we say, “Together, We Do Good Things.”

Retailers – Where Lottery Dreams Begin

Since the beginning in 1985, the Oregon Lottery has been a pillar of local economic support through retail partnerships. Markets, taverns, gas stations, service clubs, and more have all benefited from lottery commissions that strengthen their businesses, with beneficial effects rippling outward into their communities.

Today, more than 3,500 Oregon businesses sell Oregon lottery games. They include both national chains and mom-and-pop stores in every corner of the state. Some have even been with us from the beginning, helping us bring entertainment and winning dreams to players for forty years!

Learn more and check out the Lottery's 40th Anniversary Scratch-Its here!