State Investment in Harm Reduction

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. Oregon uses the public health approach that combines prevention, harm reduction and multiple levels of treatment focusing on quality of life issues for individuals with gambling problems, their families and communities.

Problem Gambling Service System

Oregon is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of problem gambling services, providing prevention, outreach, treatment and recovery services. Oregon Health Authority, in collaboration with their partners, administers a problem gambling treatment and prevention system that covers the continuum of care and includes:

Prevention and Education

Oregon is a national leader in efforts in preventing gambling-related problems, promoting informed and balanced attitudes, and protecting vulnerable groups. These goals are accomplished by promoting healthy public policy, developing collaborative relationships between various stakeholder groups, and providing local governments with funds to develop a public health model, employing strategies similar to those used in evidence-based alcohol, tobacco, drug, and other prevention efforts.

According to Oregon’s 2015 adult prevalence study, 73% of adults surveyed believe gambling problems can be prevented through prevention and education.

In 2015, the Oregon Health Authority invested over 1.3 million dollars for problem gambling prevention and outreach services. In addition, the Oregon Lottery devoted 3 million dollars statewide to responsible gaming and problem gambling awareness campaigns.

Problem gambling prevention is offered in every county in Oregon. Problem gambling prevention and outreach programs are directed at avoiding or reducing the emotional, physical, social, legal, and financial consequences of problem gambling for the gambler, the gambler’s family, and the community. Oregon’s prevention efforts are guided by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s (CSAP) six core prevention strategies.