Oregon, a state that prides itself on innovation, can now claim another first: the first state with a professional sports team whose coach was arrested by the FBI and charged with scheming to rig illegal poker games.

The recent bust of ex-NBA star and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups focused a national spotlight on Oregon, the NBA and gambling.

But that glare, so far, has obscured the size and impact of Oregon’s sports betting industry.

Gambling revenue is an important segment of the state of Oregon’s budget. In the 2024 fiscal year, Oregon took in more than $1.7 billion in gambling revenues.

But the percentage of this amount that comes from sports betting—despite the relentless TV ads for state-sponsored offerings from DraftKings, complete with bet $1, get $100 in credit

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