Finally live
After its initial launch date being delayed, the Oregon Lottery’s highly-anticipated mobile sports betting app, Scoreboard, has now gone live.
This means that Oregon has officially become the eighth state in the United States to launch a legal sports betting app, and one of only 12 states offering legal mobile sports betting via an app.
Oregon has officially become the eighth state in the United States to launch a live sports betting app
Oregon hopes to cash in on the demand for sports betting with the release of this app. Around $150bn is illegally wagered in the US each year, according to figures released by the American Gaming Association (AGA).
Rigorous testing
The Scoreboard app itself has been in testing mode for some time. It has been rigorously tested on iOS and Android, as well as desktop. To secure user feedback, officials gave six players $100 to test all features by placing bets in real time.
It gave developers the chance to see if there would be any problems with placing bets, entering deposits, or withdrawing money. The lucky volunteers even got to keep their winnings.
Scoreboard’s initial launch date was scheduled to coincide with the start of the NFL season
The app was given its final approval by Oregon Lottery Director Barry Pack on Monday. He said: “This is an exciting day for Lottery, as we launch a new game and a new sales channel. This game allows Lottery to attract new players – increasing revenue for important state programs without relying on current players to play or wager more.”
Scoreboard’s initial launch date was scheduled to coincide with the start of the NFL season. Despite its release being later than anticipated, this delay gave the development team some valuable time to iron out all of the kinks.
Sports betting eliminated in 2007
While Oregon has grandfather privileges when it comes to PAPSA, those within the state were previously only allowed to bet on NFL games up to 2007 when House Bill 3466 eliminated sports betting within the state.
There is just one retail sportsbook currently taking bets in Oregon: the Chinook Winds Casino Resort, which opened its doors in August.
Another nine tribal casinos in the Beaver State have also permitted to open sportsbooks. However, the Oregon Lottery and its Scoreboard app will be the only online option in the state.
SBTech behind the app
Back in March, the Oregon Lottery announced Malta-based SBTech as its sports betting technology provider at a commission meeting on March 22.
The app will allow sports betting on all professional sports games, but not collegiate ones.