Overview
Oregon has a long history of addressing the risks associated with gambling through research, prevention and education, responsible gambling guidelines, treatment, strong partnerships and collaborations.
In Oregon, it is estimated 2.6 percent of the adult population experience moderate or serious problems with gambling. It is estimated that 88,000 Oregon adults and adolescents meet the clinical diagnosis for gambling disorder, with another 180,000 (5.4 percent) at risk of developing a problem with gambling. For each person with a serious problem, many others are affected (e.g., spouse, children).
One percent of Oregon Lottery revenues fund problem gambling services. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) administers the funds that provide approximately $7.5 million annually for prevention and treatment programs and services within each county.
Oregon is a national leader in preventing and treating gambling related problems, promoting informed and balanced attitudes and protecting vulnerable groups. These goals are accomplished by promoting healthy public policy, developing collaborative relationships among various groups and providing local governments with funds to develop strategies like those used in other behavioral health systems.
Oregon’s approach to problem gambling:
- Is a public health model that takes into consideration biological, behavioral, economic, cultural and policy elements influencing gambling and health;
- Combines prevention, harm reduction and multiple levels of treatment focusing on quality of life issues for gamblers, their families, and communities;
- Appreciates the multiple dimensions of gambling; and
- Combines strategies that minimize gambling's negative impacts while recognizing the reality of gambling's availability, cultural acceptance, and economic appeal.
OHA, in collaboration with its partners:
- Administers a comprehensive problem gambling system of services that meets the needs of individuals, families, and communities across the continuum of care.
- Ensures systemwide access to culturally-responsive services that are respectful and empowering.
- Provides free prevention and treatment services for individuals with gambling problems and their concerned others.
Publicly funded treatment and counseling services are available free to any Oregon resident who has problems related to gambling, either as:
- An individual with a gambling problem, or
- A concerned other (people whose lives have been affected by someone else's gambling problem, such as family, friends, significant others, and colleagues).
Problem Gambling Helpline
- Call 1-877- My Limit (1-877-695-4648) or
- Get help by Instant Messaging/Chat/Email
Help is free, confidential, and it works.
Current Plans
PGS Strategic Planning Documents
PGS System Reports
Past Plans
Contact Oregon's Problem Gambling Team
Email us