DAYTON, Ohio — An “intercept program” that cross-checks large gambling winnings against a database of debtors has expanded to include Ohio casino checks for overdue child support. The Dayton Daily News reports that casinos in Ohio have begun working with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to identify those who owe back child support.
In the late 50's, working in Reno, word spread like wildfire that the IRS had entered Harold's Club, approached a patron who was playing 21, and declared, "Your tax year is up, we are taking this chips as a partial payment of your income tax."
Everyone was furious, especially Harold's Club. I still do not know all of the particulars about this event, but in this case, the man was "stuck" a considerable amount of money, and the amount they took was not close to what he was losing, now, with no money to attempt to recoup his losses.
I have a problem with the "intercept program." The state is happy to accept the revenue from the casinos. Voters approved that choice. Now, when a customer goes to "cash out," before being paid, they check to see if he owes money, primarily child support, but regardless ..... the customer should be able to walk out with his winnings .... then let whoever step in and try to get their cut.
I still do not know on what authority, I am sure there is one, somewhere, that "taxes" are taken out of winnings. The state feels free to advertise, heavily, the FULL amount you can possibly win, when in reality, you receive a check, from the state, for about half. So, YOU purchase the ticket, YOU win, but YOU .... the STATE ..... the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ..... split the winnings. Back in the my days in Nevada ..... you win big ...... "Give me CASH and a security guard to help me get home."
THEY feel free to advertise the BIG PAYOFFS ..... but, you don't see them, "Well, after taxes..." I thought we payed taxes at the end of the year ..... winners can't be trusted, is that it? It boils down to the various state lotteries are nothing more than tax collectors.
I remember one guy, somewhere here in Ohio, would save up, each day, a dollar or two that he would play on the Pick Three ...... once a year, he would put it all on a number ..... the payoff would be almost a million dollars ....... payed in increments of $500 .... one at a time ..... TAXFREE .... not sure how he ever did.
"If you're gonna be a sucker, be a silent one."
