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 July 25, 2015, Cole Hamels pitched a 13-strikeout no-hitter to lead the Phillies past the Cubs 5-0 at Wrigley Field—the first no-hitter at the stadium since 1972. Hamels threw 129 pitches, securing the final out when Odúbel Herrera made a dramatic, tumbling catch on a Kris Bryant fly ball to center field. This historic performance marked Hamels' final game in a Philadelphia uniform; after 10 seasons with the club, he was traded to the Rangers six days later.

On This Day In Sports History

On July 24, 1908, American Johnny Hayes won the Olympic marathon in London following a dramatic controversy. Italian runner Dorando Pietri entered White City Stadium well in the lead but collapsed five times from exhaustion. Track officials helped Pietri to his feet each time, enabling him to cross the finish line 32 seconds ahead of Hayes. However, after a protest was filed on the American's behalf, Pietri was disqualified for receiving assistance, and Hayes was awarded the victory.