The legal gambling age in Oregon is either 18 or 21, depending on what you want to play. You can buy lottery scratch-offs, play Powerball and Mega Millions, and bet on horse racing at 18. Video lottery terminals, sports betting through the state’s app, and tribal casino gaming all require you to be 21.
Quick Reference by Activity
- Scratch-offs and draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions: 18
- Pari-mutuel horse racing: 18
- Video lottery terminals: 21
- Sports betting through the DraftKings app: 21
- Tribal casinos: 21
- Social games and charitable bingo or raffles: no state minimum specified
What You Can Do at 18
Oregon law prohibits selling lottery tickets to anyone under 18.1Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 461.600 – Sales to Minors That covers scratch-offs, Powerball, Mega Millions, and other draw games sold at retail counters or vending machines. Retailers must verify age before completing a sale, and prizes from these games cannot be paid to anyone under 18.2Oregon State Legislature. Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 461 – Oregon State Lottery
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing carries the same 18-year floor. A race meet licensee cannot sell a mutuel wagering ticket to anyone under 18, and it is also illegal to buy a ticket on behalf of someone underage.3Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 462.190 – Restrictions on Minors; Selling Wagering Tickets to Minors or Visibly Intoxicated Persons The same statute bars sales to visibly intoxicated people of any age.
What Requires 21
Video lottery terminals are the slot-style machines found in Oregon bars and restaurants. Even though they run under the Oregon Lottery umbrella, you must be 21 to play one or to redeem a cash slip from one.4Oregon Secretary of State. Division 200 – General Video Lottery Game Rules The reason is where the machines sit: state law only allows them in establishments with a liquor license from the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and they must be placed in an area posted as closed to minors.2Oregon State Legislature. Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 461 – Oregon State Lottery The 21-year threshold lines up with alcohol service.
Sports betting through Oregon’s state-authorized platform also requires you to be 21.5Oregon Secretary of State. Division 93 – DraftKings Sportsbook Oregon runs its sportsbook through a partnership with DraftKings, available in the Oregon Lottery mobile app.6Oregon Lottery. DraftKings – Sports Betting The app uses geolocation to confirm you are physically in Oregon and runs digital age verification before you can place a wager.
Oregon’s nine tribal casinos operate under individual tribal-state compacts.7Oregon State Legislature. Tribal-State Compact for Regulation of Class III Gaming In practice, patrons must be 21 to gamble on the floor. Because these casinos serve alcohol in the gaming area, the 21-year threshold is standard across facilities. Restaurants, hotel amenities, and entertainment venues at the same property can have different age rules, so confirm with the specific casino before you visit.
A Few Things Oregon Doesn’t Allow at Any Age
Even at 21, some bets available in other states are off the table in Oregon. The state’s sportsbook does not accept wagers on college sporting events; betting is limited to professional sports. Paid daily fantasy sports contests are also unavailable in Oregon, so the DraftKings sportsbook app should not be confused with the DFS product offered elsewhere.
Social Games and Charitable Gaming
Oregon law carves out exceptions for social games and charitable gaming, and neither counts as “gambling” under the state’s criminal statutes.8Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 167.117 – Definitions for ORS 167.108 to 167.164 A private poker night where no one profits from running the game is the classic example. Counties and cities can authorize social games at private businesses, clubs, or public accommodations by local ordinance, and some jurisdictions have.9Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 167.121 – Local Authorization of Social Games
Charitable bingo, lotto, and raffle games run by licensed nonprofit, fraternal, or religious organizations are also exempt, with the Oregon Department of Justice overseeing licensing. State law does not specify a minimum age for social games or charitable gaming, though individual organizers and local ordinances can set their own limits.
Penalties for Gambling Underage
Gambling below the legal age in Oregon is not a minor infraction. A person who knowingly participates in unlawful gambling as a player commits unlawful gambling in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor.10Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 167.122 – Unlawful Gambling in the Second Degree That is the same category as offenses like theft and assault, with a maximum fine of $6,250.11Oregon Public Law. Oregon Code 161.635 – Fines for Misdemeanors A conviction leaves a criminal record. Gaming operators face their own penalties for letting underage patrons on the floor, which is why ID checks at Oregon casinos and lottery retailers tend to be careful.