Oregon's College Sports Betting Ban
Oregon is the most restrictive college betting state in the United States — a complete prohibition that covers every NCAA sport, every team (including out-of-state programs), and every market type. This page covers the legal basis, the failed reform attempts, and the practical effects.
The Lottery Funding Conflict
Oregon's constitution directs Oregon Lottery proceeds toward state universities, public education, and economic development. Allowing the Lottery's contracted online sportsbook (DraftKings) to take wagers on those same universities — i.e., the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers — was deemed a clear conflict of interest. Tribal sportsbooks adopted the same restriction at the state's request to keep policy uniform.
Senate Bill 1503 (2022)
SB 1503 was the most significant legislative attempt to lift the college betting ban. It would have authorized DraftKings (and tribal books) to offer betting on college sports under the same regulatory framework as professional sports. The bill drew support from Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers fan groups frustrated at being unable to wager on their teams.
SB 1503 failed to pass. Opposition came from the universities themselves, the Oregon Lottery (citing the funding conflict), and responsible-gambling advocates concerned about student-athlete integrity issues.
What Bettors Can't Do
- Bet on Oregon Ducks football, basketball, or any other sport
- Bet on Oregon State Beavers (including the historic Civil War rivalry)
- Bet on out-of-state college programs (Alabama, Duke, etc.)
- Participate in March Madness bracket pool wagering through DraftKings
- Place futures (Heisman, College Football Playoff, NCAA Tournament champion)
- Bet on College World Series or college baseball
- Place player props on any college athlete
What's Still Allowed
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Oregon does typically include college contests at most operators (PrizePicks, DraftKings Fantasy, etc.) under DFS's separate 18+ regulatory framework. Free-entry brackets and pool games are also permitted as long as no real-money wager is involved.
What Could Change This
Periodic legislative interest continues. There are whispers of reintroducing similar legislation in 2026 or beyond, but as of this writing no concrete bill is moving forward. Any future reform would likely require buy-in from both major Oregon universities, the Lottery, and tribal stakeholders.