Oregon’s Failing Grade on Gambling Safety: A Warning for the Nation
A recent report from the Center for Addiction Science, Policy, and Research (CASPR) delivered a stark warning: Oregon is failing to protect its residents from the risks of online gambling addiction. The state received an F grade, scoring only 43 out of 100, placing it among the bottom ten states in the nation.
The Rise of Online Gambling and Increased Risk
While online gambling currently represents less than 5% of Oregon’s total $1.7 billion gambling revenue (most of which comes from the lottery and video poker), it’s the fastest-growing segment. Studies indicate online gambling is more addictive than traditional casino gambling due to its 24/7 accessibility and unlimited options. This poses a significant threat, as highlighted by Nicholas Reville, CASPR’s executive director, who warns of increased addiction and potential bankruptcy among Oregonians.
State Promotion and Lack of Self-Exclusion Options
Oregon’s low score isn’t solely due to offering online sports betting – 30 other states do the same. The CASPR report specifically criticizes Oregon for actively promoting online betting. The state lottery, for example, advertised Super Bowl bets on Draft Kings, including “prop bets” in early February. Only two other states, New Hampshire and Delaware, sponsor advertising for online gaming.
Oregon lags behind 29 other states in providing a comprehensive self-exclusion program. While Draft Kings allows players to self-exclude, there’s no centralized state system to prevent problem gamblers from participating in all forms of online gambling within the state.
Regulatory Gaps and Emerging Threats
Beyond online sports betting, Oregon faces challenges with “prediction markets” like Kalshi, where users trade contracts based on the outcome of future events. These markets operate nationally by facilitating bets between users, rather than through a traditional bookmaker. Kitty Martz, executive director of Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery, argues Oregon lacks the “regulatory guardrails” needed to address the ethical and harm-reduction concerns these markets present.
Legislative Inaction and Awareness Efforts
The Oregon Legislature has demonstrated limited oversight of gaming, with committees failing to pass any relevant legislation in recent sessions. Despite this, the Oregon Lottery announced March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and allocates 1% of its revenue to problem gambling recovery and prevention.
Did you realize?
The National Problem Gambling Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-MY-RESET.
Looking Ahead: What’s at Stake?
The situation in Oregon underscores a growing national concern: the necessitate for stronger regulations and safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from the risks associated with online gambling. As online gambling continues to expand, states must prioritize responsible gaming measures, including robust self-exclusion programs, public awareness campaigns, and effective legislative oversight.
FAQ
- What grade did Oregon receive on the CASPR report? Oregon received an F, with a score of 43 out of 100.
- What is a key criticism of Oregon’s approach to online gambling? The state actively promotes online betting through its lottery.
- What is a “prediction market”? A market where users trade contracts based on the outcome of future events.
- Where can I find help for a gambling problem? Call the National Problem Gambling Hotline at 1-800-MY-RESET.
Explore more: Oregon Journalism Project