Oregon Lottery®:
It does good things
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 make Oregon
a great place to live.
In 1984, the Oregon Lottery® was created by a vote of the people of Oregon.
At that time, Lottery dollars were approved to help strengthen Oregon's economy
and to create jobs.
In 1995, Oregonians voted to allow Lottery profits to help finance public education.
Currently about two thirds of Lottery dollars help fund this critical public
service. Lottery profits provide direct support to local school districts funding,
books, staff, utilities and other essential services.
In 1998, Oregonians again responded to the changing needs of our state, voting
to direct 15% of all Lottery profits to help our parks and salmon habitats.
In the years since the Oregon Lottery® was created, players have won over $16
billion. Oregon's economic development has received over $1.8 billion since 1985. Since 1995, more than $4 billion has gone to education, while over $322
million has gone to state parks and an additional $322 million has gone to
watershed enhancement and salmon habitat restoration.
Out of every dollar played on Lottery games, over 96¢ goes back to Oregonians
in the form of contributions, prizes, and commissions. The Lottery, as a business, operates on less
than 4¢ of every dollar of sales. The remaining profit - over $600 million
each year - is returned to the state to fund programs. The Oregon Lottery® uses
a variety of
performance measures to ensure that they
are operating efficiently and effectively.
