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Casino ATMS Out of Luck if Congress Backs New Bill20 July 2001CALIFORNIA—July 20, 2001- -As reported by the (California) Desert Sun: "…When [Max Schiller] wants to drop a few bucks in a slot machine, the part-time Palm Desert resident goes to the bank and waits in line. "But just because Schiller doesn't swipe a card for cash or credit at the casino, he wouldn't deny others the convenience. "In fact, Schiller says a bill in Congress that would prohibit ATMs and credit card transactions on gambling floors is a bad idea -- even if it slows the rate at which problem gamblers burn through their assets. "…Rep. John LaFalce, D-N.Y., will introduce a bill as early as this week to prohibit ATMs and credit card swiping devices from casino floors, close proximity to race track windows and anyplace else people bet. "The congressman is considering a similar proposal to prohibit Internet casinos from accepting checks or debit and credit cards. "…The idea to ban ATM and credit card access from gambling floors comes from a government-sponsored study on the impact of gambling. Its purpose is to create a break between the time people run out of cash on the gambling floor and their opportunity to access more funds. "Tom Tucker, executive director of the Palm Springs-based California Council on Problem Gambling, said breaking the continuity of a gambling binge might slow some addicts. "…A University of Nevada, Las Vegas, gaming expert said an outright ban on the machines would be unsafe, but added that limitations are in order…" |