December 19, 2023 9:20 a.m.

The Oregon Lottery is promoting Scratch-its as last-minute holiday gifts.

An Oregon Lottery release said available at hundreds of retailers across the state, Oregon Lottery tickets are easy-to-give and make great gift tags, tips for service workers, gifts for white elephant exchanges or a last-minute surprise. This year’s Scratch-it designs were created by Oregon Lottery staff and start at $1 to purchase. There are five festive themes to choose from

The release said there is one important consideration – make sure the gift’s recipient is at least 18 years old.

To promote gifting lottery tickets responsibly, lotteries worldwide partner with the National Council on Problem Gambling and McGill University’s International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors.

The release said the Oregon Lottery has been part of this annual campaign for over a decade. Oregon Lottery proceeds also provide funding for free, confidential and effective problem gambling treatment programs statewide.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets in 1985, it has earned nearly $15.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks and watershed enhancements. Since 1992, over $118 million in lottery dollars has been directed to fund problem gambling treatment and awareness in Oregon.

For more information on the Oregon Lottery, go to: www.oregonlottery.org