Overview of Oregon Lottery Winning Numbers and Game Types

Since its launch in 1985, the Oregon Lottery has grown to become one of the most diverse lotto offerings in the nation. Since its beginning, over $10 billion has been raised to fund state programs, and with the recent introduction of sports betting to its portfolio, it seems as though the OR lotto won’t slow down any time soon.

In this expert guide, we’ve explored every facet of the games, history and laws surrounding the Oregon Lottery and what it means for players. We’re confident that after reading this, you will know all there is to know to help you choose the best Oregon lottery games with the best chances of winning.

We’ve begun by providing an overview of what games are available, and when you can watch the Oregon Lotto winning numbers drawn live. We’ve then explored the different prizes and odds for the games, from national favorites such as the Powerball to local favorites like Win for Life.

What many may not realize is that each state has its own laws when it comes to who can play the lottery and what happens when prizes are won. For this reason, we’ve explored some important rules to consider before concluding the guide with some information on how revenues are spent.

The Various Oregon Lottery Games Available

There are two different types of lottery games that are available in Oregon. The first and most popular type of game are draws, which can be played nationally, amongst a handful of states or locally. These games tend to offer the largest prizes, though odds to win can be minimal.

Another type of game is instant scratch tickets, which can be purchased at retailers across the country. All the information needed to win on a scratch ticket is included on the card at the time of purchase. All players need to do is take a coin to the ticket and scratch to reveal if prizes have been won.

Draw Games: OR Lottos with Huge Jackpots

To play draw games, players must select a set of numbers or receive them at random with a Quick Pick from a licensed lottery retailer. At a later time or date, lottery officials draw a set of random numbers. Prizes are won by matching your selected numbers to the drawn numbers.

In the case of larger national draw games such as the Mega Millions, jackpot prizes start at a huge amount and progressively build until the main prize is claimed. Lower-tier prizes are also awarded for partial matches. Keep in mind, though, that these games tend to have miniscule odds to win.

As the schedule above shows, the diversity of the Oregon Lottery ensures that there are winning numbers drawn every day. Each of these games have different odds and prize values, with a general rule of thumb being that the less often a draw takes place, the higher the jackpot prize.

Below, we’ve explored each of the listed games, and explained everything from how to play, the available prizes, the price of a ticket and the odds to win each prize tier.

Powerball: How to Play

The Powerball launched in 1992 as a game played only in a few states but has since grown to be offered in 45 states. The game holds the record for the highest ever jackpot prize of more than $1.58 billion, which was awarded to three lucky players in 2016. Not a bad prize considering tickets only cost $1!

In order to play, participants must pick five numbers between 1 and 69, then one Powerball number between 1 and 26. There are nine prize tiers in total which begin at $4 and end at the progressive jackpot, which begins at a minimum of $40 million.

Mega Millions: Rules and Odds

Like the Powerball, the Mega Millions offers a minimum progressive jackpot of $40 million and is offered in the same 45 states. The game is also extremely popular, and holds the world record for the highest single jackpot prize, which was claimed by one lucky South Carolina woman in 2018.

Tickets cost $2, though for an extra $1 players can add a Megaplier. This means that the random Megaplier number assigned at the beginning of the game will multiply any lower prize tier wins.

Lucky Lines: An Unconventionally Fun Game

Lucky Lines is an Oregon-only game that operates similarly to tic-tac-toe. To, players must pick one of four numbers form each of the eight squares when buying a ticket on the lottery terminal. Multiple games can be played on a single ticket with the same numbers.

It costs $2 per game, and the jackpot starts at $10,000. Prizes are drawn daily, and if the jackpot isn’t claimed, the jackpot will progress by roughly $1,000 per day. As the below odds show, the chances for winning the jackpot are far better than for receiving the $10,000 prize for the Mega Millions.

Oregon’s Game Megabucks: Oregon’s Millionaire Maker

Oregon’s Game Megabucks is a local game that, according to the website, has created more than 240 millionaires since it was launched in 1995. The game is somewhat groundbreaking as it was the first US lottery game to give players the choice of an annuity or lump sum payment.

To play, participants must select six numbers from a set of 48. Tickets cost $1, though a $1 Kicker multiplier can also be added to multiply the lower prizes. Jackpots start at $1 million and progressively build on a pari-mutuel basis.

Win for Life: The Game That Can Change Your Life

There are a number of state that offer a similar product, whether its New York’s Cash4Life or North Dakota’s Lucky for Life. Win for Life, like these games, gives one lucky winner a chance to win a jackpot prize of $1,000 a week for life. However, there’s no denying that the odds for Oregon’s game are far better.

Players will receive 15 sets of numbers for per $2 ticket. The first set can be selected, though the other 14 will be randomly-chosen and offer other prizes. Games are played three times a week, and all prizes are fixed.

The Best Oregon Scratchers: Lottery Scratchers with Best Odds

Unlike the major national draws, instant scratch cards are local-only games that come in limited batches. Essentially, each scratch card will offer a certain number of prizes for each prize tier. Each top prize will be displayed on the card, as well as the rules.

In Oregon, scratch cards vary in price starting from $1 to $20. Generally speaking, the higher the price of the ticket, the higher the top prize. Below, we’ve chosen a number of the best scratch games with the best odds to play in the OR Lotto.

1. $1 – Pearls (Odds: 1 out of 4.1)
2. $2 – High Roller (Odds: 1 out of 3.85)
3. $5 – Lady Luck (Odds: 1 out of 3.66)
4. $10 – Classic Cash (Odds: 1 out of 3.65)
5. $20 – Cash Spectacular (Odds: 1 out of 2.82)

As the above shows, it’s quite typical that the more you pay for a ticket, the higher the chances are that you’ll win a prize. This is because expensive tickets tend to offer more prize tiers with higher values. To make sure you’re buying a ticket that hasn’t had its best prizes claimed, we recommend visiting the scratch-ticket section on the OR lotto site.

Unique Oregon Lottery Games

The Oregon Lottery not only offers traditional draw and scratch tickets, but a huge range of modern, casino-style games. These games, featured in the Video Lottery section of the OR Lotto official website, include everything from slots with high return-to-player rates to poker games.

To play these games, players must visit a Video Lottery terminal which there are many of throughout the state. Many of these games will be familiar with slots fans, including the reputable IGT Gaming’s Da Vinci Diamonds. There is even a video Keno game, with permitted bets being available up to 25c per game.

In addition to Video Lottery games, the Oregon Lottery operated sports betting in the state. The Lottery has collaborated with some of the world’s best bookmakers to create its Scoreboard product, which offers hundreds of opportunities to wager on professional sporting events from around the world.

Important Laws Regarding OR Lotteries

It’s important to consider that every state has its own laws as it relates to its lottery. These laws cover everything from how old players need to be to buy tickets and claim prizes, how much taxes must be paid on winning, how long players have to claim prizes and even how prizes must be claimed.

This is especially important to understand if you frequently travel to other states and participate in the lottery. There’s a few elements that could severely impact what happens in the case of a win, so take a moment to look at the below information to familiarize yourself with Oregon Lottery law.

First and foremost, tickets can’t be sold to anyone under 18. If someone under 18 wins, they may be paid the prize. For the Video Lottery, players must be over 21 years old. If players win a prize above $1,500, they must pay 8 percent in state taxes. This is among the highest tax rates in the country for the lottery.

Oregon Lottery winners can’t remain anonymous if they win a prize, although a bill is currently being considered in the Oregon Legislature to change. The decision to shield the identities of players with newly accumulated wealth is to ensure they are protected from crime.

Overview of the Oregon Lotto

The Oregon Lottery was launched after local voters passed the Oregon Ballot Measure 5 which in the 1984 general election. This resulted in the amendment of the Oregon Constitution which previously had outlawed a state lottery. In turn, the Oregon Lottery was created and launched in 1985.

The lottery is regulated by the five-member Oregon Lottery Commission. These members are appointed by the state governor and are required to have relevant experience. For example, it is a requirement that one commissioner has at least five years’ experience in law enforcement, while another must be a certified accountant.

Since its launch, the Oregon Lottery has raised billions of dollars to fund state programs. What lottery profits are spent on is determined by Oregon’s voters who must first approve of what categories may receive lottery funds. These categories currently include public education, economic development and veterans programs.

The largest ever lottery prize won in Oregon happened in 2005, when one lucky Jacksonville winner took home a $340 million Powerball prize. In fact, Jacksonville has had so many jackpot winners in its time that lottery officials often refer to the city as Jackpot-ville.

Conclusion

The Oregon Lottery is one of the most diverse lottery systems in the entire American Lottery. Not only do players have access to great national and local draw games and scratch options, but the Oregon Video lottery provides players with casino-like gaming options that in turn benefit the state.

With even more great changes expected to come, including the potential for online lottery ticket sales, we’re keeping a close eye on the OR lotto. For this reason, we suggest you revisit this guide frequently for everything from the latest winning numbers to updates to the rules and laws.

Common Questions that People Also Ask

The Oregon Lottery features a huge selection of traditional and online games, so it makes sense why you may still have many burning questions about how the OR Lotto works. Below, we’ve answered some common queries about the Oregon Lottery so you can be sure you’re making the most out of the opportunity to win.