Published 10:00 am Thursday, September 24, 2026
The Oregon Lottery may upgrade technology so people could buy lottery tickets online, instead of visiting a store.
(Oregon Lottery)
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It could soon be a lot easier for people to collect prizes from the Oregon Lottery. And the new technology the Lottery is looking to switch to could make it possible for people to play lottery games online and not visit a retail store.
Today, prizes over $50,000 must be claimed in person at an Oregon Lottery office in Wilsonville or Salem. It makes it difficult to claim a prize for many people, especially if they live in Eastern Oregon.
The Oregon Lottery is moving to upgrade its technology to enable collection of prizes online. No decision has been made if the state will move to what some other states have done — allow Oregonians to play games like Keno and Powerball online.
The Oregon Lottery Commission will likely be voting on a related contract on Sept. 25 to upgrade its app. That technology upgrade will include enabling the possibility of what is often called iLottery or iGambling, purchase of products online. “However, future capabilities should not be interpreted as a policy decision or authorization to pursue iGaming or iLottery,” the Oregon Lottery told us.
Oregon law does not ban online sales of lottery products. The state already offers some online gambling through sports betting, DraftKings.
“Lottery is currently operating within policy guardrails established by the Governor, including no new digital sales of our products,” the Oregon Lottery told us in an email. “Should that policy direction ever change, it would prompt an extensive engagement effort, including Tribal consultation, legislative outreach, and Lottery Commission action to amend pertinent administrative rules related to game play. At this time, we have no indication the Governor’s policy guidance will change from the current status quo.”
There is concern that any increased accessibility to playing lottery games on a phone app will also increase problem gambling or spending that can be fun but isn’t so wise. It would, of course, likely also mean more state revenue from the lottery.
You should tell Oregon legislative candidates and candidates for governor what you think of expanding the lottery.
Editorials reflect the views of The Bulletin’s editorial board, Editor Jody Lawrence-Turner, Editor Tim Trainor and Editorial Page Editor Richard Coe.
