Compared to other states, Oregon has stayed on top of the times when it comes to updating their legislation which makes it very difficult to find loopholes when it comes to gambling. With laws that specify which games can land you in jail, and specifying which financial transactions are done online that can lead to prosecution, many consider Oregon to be one of those watertight states that have addressed every eventuality.

According to Oregon State statute 167-117:

(4) “Casino game” means any of the traditional gambling-based games commonly known as dice, faro, monte, roulette, fan-tan, twenty-one, blackjack, Texas hold-’em, seven-and-a-half, big injun, klondike, craps, poker, chuck-a-luck, Chinese chuck-a-luck (dai shu), wheel of fortune, chemin de fer, baccarat, pai gow, beat the banker, panquinqui, red dog, acey-deucey, or any other gambling-based game similar in form or content. “

If you are caught playing any of these games in an unlicensed establishment, you could find yourself playing other games in a state penitentiary.

When it comes to playing casino games online, Internet Gambling statute 167-109 states:
A person engaged in an Internet gambling business may not knowingly accept, in connection with the participation of another person in unlawful gambling using the Internet”

This is considered to be a Class C felony which can earn you up to a year in jail for promoting and profiting from illegal gambling - statute 167.127 (Illegal Gambling in the first degree).

Placing bets with a bookmaker or participating in illegal gambling as a player is considered illegal gambling in the second degree and is viewed as a petty offence - statute 167.122.

Given how widely spread the 10 brick and mortar casinos are spread across the state, legal gambling in the State of Oregon will take some planning and travel to visit one of the land-based casinos unless you reside close to one of the major cities. With only 17 poker rooms, you have to enjoy social poker in order to play games of chance when you want to.

Aside from the state lottery, one race track and a few charitable gambling options, gambling will be limited to playing the video lottery machines at your local bar or encouraging the public school in your area to host a Monte Carlo evening and come to terms with just playing games of chance for fun.

In order to apply for a charity gambling license in the State of Oregon, non-profit organizations need to anticipate how much annual income they expect to be generated by their fund-raising efforts for that year. This handle will then guide which license to apply for, and specify the fees required.

If you want to hold a raffle with an unlimited annual handle limit, the license will cost you $100. For Monte Carlo licenses, the fee will be $100 to hold up to 7 events per year if the handle is not in excess of $10,000 per event.

When it comes to applying for a bingo license, the fees range from $20 to $200 depending on your Authorized Annual Handle Limit. According to the Department of Justice:

Bingo Licenses Authorized Annual Handle Limit License Fee
Class A Unlimited $200
Class B $250,000 $100
Class C $75,000 $40
Class D $20,000 $20

In order to apply for a gambling license to manufacture, distribute, own or operate a gambling device in Oregon, your application will give the government the authorization to deep dive into your personal and financial history.

Automatic disqualifiers are being under the age of 21 at the time of application, being an employee of the police force, having a family member or child employed by the Colorado Division of Gaming or the Limited Gaming Control Commission if you’re employed as a district, county or municipal court judge, or if you’re a municipal official or county commissioner.

It goes without saying that if you have ever been convicted of gambling-related offences, embezzlement, fraud, theft by deception or facing prosecution in any jurisdiction, your application for a gambling license will be unsuccessful.

As of November 2019, sports betting is legal again and application forms to offer such a service are also available online. Aside from extensive paperwork and intense investigation into your personal and business history, your license fees are directly related to your purpose for the license.

If you’re a Sports Betting Operator, expect to pay $1,200 for the license and a $10,000 background check deposit. Internet Sports Betting Operator and Vendor Major applications need to be accompanied by the same fees.