Sports betting returned to Oregon on October 19, 2019 after a form of sports wagering was allowed in the state from 1989 to 2007. Thanks to pre-existing legislation, Oregon wasn’t impacted by the federal ban on sports betting that was enacted in 1992. However, citing pressure from the NCAA, Oregon lawmakers voluntarily revoked the state lottery’s right to offer sports betting contests in 2007. When sports betting returned to the state five years ago, DraftKings became the state’s sole sports betting option outside of Spirit Mountain Casino (Grand Ronde) which offers the BetMGM app for those on property.
Oregon’s pact with DraftKings leaves sports bettors with no options (unless you’re in Grand Ronde) but at least the one sportsbook available across the state is highly trusted. I will provide you with information on DraftKings and explain how to get started betting on sports. I’ll also provide details on the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which Oregon teams you can wager on and responsible gambling resources.
is sports betting legal in oregon
Yes, technically sports betting first was legalized in Oregon in 1989 as citizens enjoyed NFL betting contests offered by the Oregon State Lottery Commission until 2007. Sports betting ceased in the state from 2007 until 2019 when the sports betting app Scoreboard was the only option to place bets. In January of 2022, DraftKings entered the market as Scoreboard left and today DraftKings remains the only option for Oregon bettors unless they’re physically located at the Grand Mountain Casino in Grande Ronde where the BetMGM app is an option. It’s worth noting that the Grand Mountain Casino is on tribal land, so that means it’s exempt from state laws prohibiting bets on college sports teams so it might be worth the drive for March Madness.
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timeline of betting legislation & latest news
The Oregon Lottery offered a sports betting contest in 1989 that was authorized by Senate Bill 572 and signed into law. Having that legislation on the books exempted Oregon from the Professional and Amateur Protection Act (PASPA) that banned other states from sports betting. However, in 2005, Oregon revoked its own right to offer sports betting after pressure from the NCAA starting in 2007. After PASPA was repealed in 2018, Oregon joined several other states and launched sports betting in the fall of 2019. In 2022, the influential organization Sports Oregon expressed interest in the state allowing additional sportsbooks, but there are no imminent signs that desire is close to materializing.
July 3, 1989
Senate Bill 572 (SB 572) was signed into law by Governor Neil Goldschmidt. The bill authorized the Oregon Lottery to introduce the “Sports Action” gambling contest based on the outcome of NFL games.
September 6, 1989
Oregon Lottery introduces “Sports Action” to the public.
October 28, 1992
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASA) is enacted, effectively making sports betting illegal in the U.S. with the exceptions of states like Oregon that had preexisting sports betting legislation.
August 18, 2005
Oregon removes the Oregon State Lottery Commission’s right to offer sports wagers, thanks in part to pressure from the NCAA.
July 1, 2007
Oregon ban on sports wagers offered by the Oregon Lottery Commission goes into effect.
May 14, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court lifts the federal ban on sports betting (by striking down PASPA), allowing individual states to legalize and create their own regulations. Oregon was unaffected by this but other states began to legalize quickly.
October 16, 2019
Oregon launches retail sports betting at tribal casinos and online wagering via its Scoreboard app. Scoreboard became the state’s first sports bet offering since 2007.
January 18, 2022
DraftKings Sportsbook app officially launches in Oregon, replacing Scoreboard as the state’s lone online sports betting option.
August 26, 2022
Sports Oregon, a group comprised of big-name companies like Nike, Adidas, and the Portland Trailblazers attends the Oregon Joint Committee on Gambling Regulation and expresses interest in allowing for additional sportsbooks in the state, calling its current model “outdated.”
how to start betting in oregon
Sports betting in Oregon is simple thanks to remote registration which allows you to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into your account from anywhere in the state. If you’re over 21-years-old and in Oregon, you can download the DraftKings betting app on a smartphone or the BetMGM if you’re physically located at the Spirit Mountain Casino in Grande Ronde. Once the app is on your device you can register, authenticate your identity, deposit and begin wagering.
download you app
For most people in Oregon, the only sports betting app available to them is DraftKings, so download it on your mobile device. If you happen to be located near Grand Ronde, then the Spirit Mountain Casino offers the BetMGM app, but you must remain on the property to place bets on the app.
create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
Oregon has one professional team among the four major sports in the Portland Trail Blazers. Sports fans across The Beaver State love football, rooting for the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers at the collegiate level and the neighboring Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. The Ducks have one of the nation’s best home field advantages due to their passionate fans at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
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USA Betting News
responsible gaming message from oregon
The Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) offers a live chat on their website or via text (503-713-6000) for those struggling with gambling addiction and both resources are available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The OPGR also promotes a 24/7 telephone helpline (1-877-MY LIMIT) and offers a line for Spanish speakers (1-844-888-2537). The OPGR website also helps those who aren’t ready to quit gambling completely, but need help with moderation by offering tools and help setting healthy goals.
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