Thirty years ago, the Oregon Lottery launched ticket sales with its first-ever game, the Pot of Gold Scratch-it. Now after offering hundreds of new games, creating thousands of winners and providing billions of dollars to state programs, the Oregon Lottery is celebrating its 30th anniversary. “The Lottery’s 30th anniversary is an occasion for looking back over three decades of incredible growth and change,” said Oregon Lottery Director Jack Roberts. “As we look ahead, we must remain alert to opportunities to change and grow with consumer attitudes and preferences just as we’ve done the past 30 years.” Oregon voters established the Oregon Lottery in 1984 and the Lottery sold its first game April 25, 1985. Initially, 100 percent of Lottery proceeds were used to support economic development and job creation in Oregon. In 1995, voters directed that a portion of the Lottery dollars also be used to help fund Oregon public schools. Most recently, Oregon voters amended the state constitution to direct 15 percent of Lottery funds for natural resources with 7.5 percent going to state parks and 7.5 percent going to watershed conservation and salmon habitat. In 1992, the Legislature began directing 1 percent of Lottery proceeds to fund problem gambling treatment. During the Lottery’s first three decades, over $9 billion in Lottery proceeds have helped fund state programs: – Economic development – over $2 billion (since 1985); – Public education – over $5 billion (since 1995); – State parks and watershed enhancements – over $500 million each (since 1999); – Problem and responsible gambling treatment and education – over $70 million (since 1992). Additionally, since 1985 Oregon Lottery players have won over $28 billion in prizes. To celebrate this milestone in its history, the Oregon Lottery will be hosting an open house at the Lottery’s Salem office from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, April 27. To see how Oregon Lottery dollars are being used in each Oregon county and for more information about the Lottery and its games, visit www.oregonlottery.org.
