Iowa legislature moves to ban some casino cash withdrawals

Thursday, March 25, 1999 | 11:36 a.m.

Lawmakers ruled that so-called "Comcheck" cash machines should be barred because they enable gamblers to tap thousands of dollars with the swipe of a credit card. But ATM machines that give gamblers access to limited amounts of cash would still be permitted.

"Most people are very concerned that there are too many Iowans gambling recklessly with money that they can't afford to gamble with," said Sen. Andy McKean.

Critics said the move to limit credit could hurt tourism and deprive people of their own money, the Register reported.

"This is the big hand of government trying to watch over you," said Sen. Matt McCoy.

The Register reported the Legislature is considering another measure that would impose a five-year moratorium on issuing more casino licenses and freeze for 27 months the number of slot machines and table games at existing casinos.

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