Legislators discuss ban on ATM’s at casinos

Gambling opponents are pressing legislators to ban A-T-Ms from casino property in Iowa. Representative Scott Raecker , a republican from Urbandale, worries about Iowans who over-extend themselves by getting cash advances on their credit cards when they visit a casino. Raecker says the heart of the issue is problem gamblers. Iowa Gaming Association President Wes Ehrecke says Iowa casinos have taken steps to help those who may abuse their credit cards when they gamble. Ehrecke says somebody can call a casino and get on a list so their credit card cannot be used at that casino. In addition, all but four of Iowa’s casinos have moved their credit card or cash machines off the gaming floor, into another part of the casino. But Lana Ross, legislative advocate for the Iowa Conference of the United Methodist Church, says that’s not enough as gambling addicts won’t self-impose a ban on their credit card use. Ross says there are a lot of gamblers who do not have the will-power to limit their use of credit cards at the casinos. The Iowa House and Senate have twice voted to prohibit all access to credit at casinos, but in both 1998 and ’99 the proposals failed to become law. Now, a House subcommittee is considering the issue once again.