Oregon Lottery Menu About Where the Money Goes More than $2.6 billion in prizes and $725 million to state and local programs, that’s the bottom line for FY 2018. With an eye towards sustainable revenue growth, Lottery also began laying the foundation for modernizing the games we offer, the way we offer them and the way we operate. Whether upgrading the system we use to manage Video Lottery, exploring a return to sports betting, launching our first mobile application, or reimagining the way we run the agency, Lottery strove to improve our player experience, strengthen connections with our community and strike the appropriate balance between profits and public good. Your browser does not support the canvas element. Prizes Not everyone who plays an Oregon Lottery game is the same. Far from it. That’s why the Lottery offers all sorts of games for all sorts of people. And when all those people play Lottery games, every so often, they win! “How much have they won?” you ask. Since the Lottery began selling tickets in 1985, players have won over $40 billion in prizes. That’s a lot of prizes! READ WINNER STORIES Funded Programs Oregonians love their state. It’s a beautiful place to live, play and grow. Over the years, Oregon voters have committed Oregon Lottery dollars towards the projects and programs they love. Over $12 billion in Lottery funds have been directed to Oregon’s public schools, job creation, state parks, natural resources, veteran services and Outdoor School. Which is why we like to say, “Together, we do good things.” EXPLORE FUNDED PROGRAMS Retailers Thanks to the thousands of Oregon Lottery retail partners across the state, people can enjoy a little excitement playing Oregon Lottery games. But Lottery retailers offer more than a place buy tickets or play games. Oregon Lottery retailers – from large to small – play important roles in their communities providing jobs and contributing to local organizations. WHERE TO PLAY Operational Expenses You may not know that the Oregon Lottery is entirely self‐funded through sales of Lottery games. The Lottery develops, produces, and markets Lottery games; pays winners and its own operating expenses. Any remaining profits go to the State to help fund programs and projects important to Oregonians. HOW WE OPERATE The Oregon Lottery was created by voters in 1984. Proceeds from Lottery games have become an important funding source for programs that benefit Oregonians in every corner of the state. Lottery games are based on chance and should be played for entertainment only, not investment purposes. Odds and payout vary by game. Toggle GAMES Toggle ABOUT Toggle OREGON WINS Toggle CONTACT Toggle FOR RETAILERS Copyright 2021 Oregon Lottery