Oregonians have their own way of looking at things. There is a spirit of fun and adventure that runs through pretty much everything we do here. And when Oregon was struggling to rebound from a severe recession in the 1980s, Oregonians looked for a way to respond that did more that just make money.
The people of Oregon knew it would take some cash to jump-start the economy, but they weren't about to settle for business as usual. They also wanted to offer Oregonians a chance to have some fun! So, on November 6, 1984, Oregonians voted to create a state Lottery by a margin on two to one.
Then in May 1995, Oregon voters recognized a new need and approved a Constitutional amendment allowing Lottery profits to help fund our public schools. And as times have changed, Lottery dollars have been directed to help where they are needed, when they are needed. In November 1998 Oregon voters added state parks and salmon restoration projects to receive Lottery profits.
Here are some other interesting facts about Oregon Lottery winners*:
*as of March 2006
**$100,000 prize was changed to $200,000 in April 2005
Out of every dollar played on Oregon Lottery games, over 96 cents goes back to Oregonians in the form of prizes and profits. On average, Video Lottery games pay 94 cents of every dollar played in prizes, while other Lottery games such as Scratch-its, Megabucks, and Powerball pay out an average of 66 cents out of every dollar in prizes.
Meeting every two years, Oregon legislators decide which programs and projects will receive Lottery funds. Certain programs receive dedicated funding. For example, the Education Endowment Fund created by voters in 1995, automatically receives 15 percent of all Lottery profits, as does state parks and salmon restoration projects.
As the state has grown and times have changed, Lottery dollars have been directed to help where they are needed. Oregonians have voted to use Lottery profits for the things that help make Oregon a great place to live. Managed by Multi-State Lottery Association.