[Wilsonville] Oregon Restaurant Association Director of Government Relations Bill Perry responded sharply to today's Court of Appeals decision regarding the compensation system for Oregon's Lottery retailers under the 2004 contract.

“The conclusions and opinion of the court of appeals is wrong," said Perry. "The Lottery Commission underwent an unprecedented process of research, investigation, and analysis prior to establishing the 2004 retailer contract. There was substantial evidence on the record to justify the Lottery's actions in promulgating the rule, and video lottery retailers in Oregon have the lowest compensation rate of any retailer in the country.”

“We strongly disagree with the court's ruling. The lottery fully complied with the legislative mandate to maximize revenue to the state consistent with a "reasonable rate of return" to Lottery retailers. The Lottery Commission should be commended for their work.”

Today's decision potentially impacts approximately 80 retailers in Oregon. It does not affect the current rule regarding compensation. All current lottery retailer contracts are valid and enforceable by both the lottery and the retailers at current rates because the compensation rate is independently set forth in the contract.