Oregon Collects Taxes for Shut Down VLTs

The Oregon Lottery is collecting taxes on thousands of video lottery terminals (VLTs) that are owned by hundreds of taverns and restaurants that are closed and not allowed to turn the machines on.

One restaurant owner among 550 in the state was forced to pay $2,082 on six VLTs that have been turned off since March 17. She has 18 employees and is struggling to survive.

Matt Shelby, spokesman for the Oregon Lottery, told KGW-TV that the lottery doesn’t have the authority to waive the taxes, which it collects annually for the Oregon Department of Revenue.

A spokesman for the department commented, “Taxes were incurred before the terminals were turned off and the retailers were compensated for the earnings, which triggered the additional tax.” The department says it is willing to work with the retailers on payment plans.

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On This Day In Sports History

On September 30, 1972, Pittsburgh Pirates icon Roberto Clemente doubled off New York Mets pitcher Jon Matlack to reach 3,000 career hits. Tragic fate made the milestone his final regular-season hit, as Clemente died three months later in a plane crash while delivering earthquake relief to Nicaragua. RIP Mr. Clemente.

On This Day In Sports History

On September 29, 1954, New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays made the most legendary defensive play in baseball history during Game 1 of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians. Sprinting back to deep center field at the Polo Grounds, Mays made an over-the-shoulder catch near the wall to rob Vic Wertz of an extra-base hit, then spun around instantly to hold the runners in a play forever known simply as "The Catch."