In the picturesque state of Oregon, famed for its scenic landscapes and passionate sports fans, there’s another realm of entertainment that often comes into focus – gambling. As we move further into 2023, the Beaver State has made some noteworthy adjustments to its gambling regulations. So, let’s delve deep and understand the legal gambling age and other key laws in Oregon.
1. The Legal Age to Gamble in Oregon
One cannot merely walk into a casino immediately after graduating from high school. Oregon has established specific age limits for different types of gambling:
18 Years: The threshold age to participate in lottery games, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests, and pari-mutuel betting.
21 Years: If you’re inclined towards casino games or poker, you need to wait until you’re 21.
Remember, while the age is a clear black-and-white rule, the venues and mediums you choose to gamble within may fall into some gray areas in Oregon’s legal framework.
Online gaming is popular! (Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash.com)
2. Online Gambling – The Gray Realm
Though Oregonians have multiple legal gambling channels, a complete embrace of online gambling remains elusive. The state hasn’t demonstrated a push toward full online gambling legalization.
According to OR Betting, engaging with offshore online gambling sites can attract legal repercussions. Such actions can potentially be classified under a Class A misdemeanor. Online gambling platforms find mention in Section 167 of the Oregon statutes. It’s crucial to note that while accepting payments related to unlicensed online gambling is felonious, the individual act of an Oregonian gambling online isn’t explicitly criminalized.
3. Tribal Casinos – The Indigenous Touch
Oregon proudly houses nine tribal casinos, thanks to the Indian Regulatory Gaming Act of 1988. These casinos are scattered across the state, offering both slot-focused games and a wide variety of table games.
4. Poker – A Game of Cards and Laws
Poker finds its niche in Oregon. Three tribal casinos host dedicated poker rooms, and around 15 licensed poker clubs are spread primarily across Portland and Eugene. However, the legal status of these clubs is a tad complex due to varied approvals at the city and state levels.
5. Sports Betting – A Possible Revival?
Historically, the Oregon Lottery had the green light to offer sports betting. With the PASPA’s lift in 2018, there’s been anticipation around the return of legal sports betting, potentially by the end of 2019. As we stand in 2023, the evolution of this domain remains under close watch.
Sports Betting has also increased, and enjoyable. (Image from Macrovector)
6. The DFS Landscape
While two DFS bills made their debut in 2017, they’re yet to make substantial progress. Nonetheless, local enthusiasts currently enjoy unrestricted access to prominent DFS platforms.
7. State Lottery & Bingo
The Oregon Lottery is a significant entity in the state’s gambling panorama, overseeing various gaming verticals. As for Bingo, it remains legal when organized by licensed charities or religious bodies.
Overview
Oregon’s gambling landscape is a mix of clear-cut rules and evolving regulations. As we navigate 2023, it’s paramount for residents and visitors to be aware of these laws to enjoy a seamless gambling experience. Stay updated, stay informed, and most importantly, gamble responsibly!
OregonReigns
Lakeside, Oregon
Top Photo by Janne Simoes
OregonReigns is an occasional contributor to FishDuck and loves his Ducks!