Gaming law is generally the law that applies to the gaming or gambling industry, including casinos, lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, sports betting, card games, table games, social gambling, bingo, raffles, slot machines, scratch tickets, etc. Gaming law includes state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations—and legal principles from traditional areas of law, such as contract law, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law, and regulatory law. For example, the federal statute prohibiting illegal gambling businesses is located at 18 U.S.C. §1955.
In Oregon, gaming law encompasses the regulation of various forms of gambling, including but not limited to casinos, state lotteries, horse racing, and social gambling. The Oregon State Lottery is a significant component of the state's gaming landscape, offering various games such as scratch tickets and video lottery terminals. Casinos in Oregon are primarily operated by Native American tribes based on the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The state permits social gambling, such as private card games, as long as the house does not profit from the game. Sports betting is also legal in Oregon and is regulated by the Oregon Lottery. The state prohibits dog racing, while horse racing is regulated by the Oregon Racing Commission. Charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, is allowed under specific regulations. All forms of gaming in Oregon are subject to state statutes and regulations, which are enforced in conjunction with federal laws like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) and the aforementioned 18 U.S.C. §1955, which targets illegal gambling businesses. It's important for individuals and entities involved in gaming operations to comply with both state and federal regulations, and consulting with an attorney can provide guidance specific to their activities.