Federal panel looks at casino ATM ban

Mark D. Preston

Monday, April 12, 1999 | 10:24 a.m.

WASHINGTON -- Banning ATMs that accept credit cards from casino floors and requiring gaming establishments to post warnings about gambling addiction were two suggestions proposed last week by some members of a federal gambling panel.

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission has little more than two months before it releases its report that is expected to detail gambling's social and economic impact on the country. The commissioners spent Wednesday and Thursday trying to shape the report's message and iron out any differences between themselves.

Commissioner James Dobson, a conservative talk radio host, said he was concerned about people "getting carried away" by withdrawing their money in the heat of the moment and promptly losing it.

Commissioner Richard Leone, a former New Jersey Treasurer, endorsed Dobson's "cooling off period" concept saying it was a "worthwhile goal."

The American Gaming Association's top lobbyist, Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., said the only reason casinos place ATM machines near gambling machines is for customer convenience. He also questioned how the plan would be implemented.

"Every 7-Eleven in the U.S. that sells lottery tickets would have to get rid of their ATMs," Fahrenkopf said.

In the "spirit of cigarette warnings" Dobson also suggested that casinos post warning labels on all gambling machines and throughout the casinos. Most commissioners agreed there is some merit to this concept -- Nevada already has a similar provision.

It appears the commission is united on banning Internet gambling and requiring state lotteries to curtail their advertising practices. Also, they are expected to provide a harsh rebuke of Indian gaming, which most commissioners say faces little oversight and regulation.

But the commission is split on other issues, such as whether to recommend horse race tracks be prohibited from installing slot machines. Commissioners also appear divided about how to phrase the report's wording.

Some commissioners, including Dobson, want strong condemnations about certain aspects of the gambling industry.

"From my perspective the most important thing we can do is make a statement about our concerns," Dobson said.

But others such as Commissioner John Wilhelm believe the country would be better served if they provided a report full of facts and let people make up their own minds about gambling. Wilhelm is the international president of the Culinary Union.

"I think what would be far more compelling is to use the commission's final report as a forceful educational tool for governmental decision makers ... and for people," he said. "For me that would be extremely useful." The report is scheduled to be released June 20.