Current Legal Status and History
Sports betting in Oregon is legal and has been since 2019. Oregon was one of the few states that had a form of sports betting grandfathered in under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA). The state lottery offered a parlay-style NFL game called Sports Action from 1989 to 2007. After PASPA was overturned in 2018, Oregon was quick to relaunch sports betting. The Oregon Lottery launched its own online sportsbook, Scoreboard, in October 2019. In 2022, the state transitioned to DraftKings as its sole online and mobile sports betting provider.
Available Sportsbooks and Their Features
Oregon's sports betting market is unique in that it's a single-operator state. This means that for online and mobile betting, there's only one option available statewide:
- DraftKings Sportsbook: As the official and exclusive partner of the Oregon Lottery, DraftKings is the only online and mobile sportsbook available to anyone 21 or older within the state's borders. DraftKings offers a wide range of betting markets, including all major US and international sports. However, it's important to note that betting on college sports is not permitted through the DraftKings app in Oregon.
For those who prefer retail sports betting, there is one option:
- BetMGM at Spirit Mountain Casino: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde have partnered with BetMGM to offer retail sports betting at Spirit Mountain Casino in Grand Ronde. This is the only place in Oregon where you can place bets in person.
Types of Bets Available
Bettors in Oregon have access to a wide variety of wager types through the DraftKings app, including:
- Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team will win a game.
- Point Spread: A bet on the margin of victory in a game.
- Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored in a game.
- Parlays: A single bet that links together two or more individual wags for a high payout.
- Teasers: A type of parlay in which you can change the point spread for a game.
- Futures: A bet on an event that will happen in the future, such as which team will win the Super Bowl.
- Prop Bets: Bets on individual player or team performances, not directly tied to the outcome of the game.
- Live Betting: Placing bets on a game while it's in progress.
Tax Implications for Winnings
Gambling winnings are considered taxable income in Oregon. Here's what you need to know:
- State Taxes: The Oregon Lottery is required to withhold 8% of your winnings for state taxes on any prize of $1,500 or more.
- Federal Taxes: For winnings of $5,000 or more, an additional 24% is withheld for federal taxes.
It's important to keep records of your wins and losses, as you may be able to deduct your losses from your winnings when you file your taxes.
Mobile vs. Retail Betting Options
Oregon offers both mobile and retail betting options, but with some key differences:
- Mobile Betting: The DraftKings app is the only option for mobile betting in Oregon. You can register, deposit, and place bets from anywhere in the state. The main restriction is the prohibition on betting on college sports.
- Retail Betting: The only retail sportsbook in Oregon is the BetMGM sportsbook at Spirit Mountain Casino. Here, you can place bets in person on a wider variety of sports, including college games.
Tips for Bettors in This State
- Shop for the Best Lines: Since DraftKings is the only online option, you can't shop around for better lines on different apps. However, you can compare the lines on DraftKings to those at the retail sportsbook at Spirit Mountain Casino.
- Take Advantage of Promotions: DraftKings offers a variety of promotions and bonuses to new and existing users. Be sure to take advantage of these offers to maximize your winnings.
- Bet Responsibly: It's important to set a budget and stick to it. Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Oregon is committed to responsible gaming and provides a number of resources for those who may have a gambling problem:
- Oregon Problem Gambling Resource: This organization provides free, confidential help for those struggling with gambling addiction. You can call them at 1-877-MY-LIMIT or visit their website at opgr.org.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: This organization provides a national helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
- DraftKings Responsible Gaming: DraftKings offers a number of tools to help you bet responsibly, including deposit limits, wagering limits, and self-exclusion.