Bill seeks to ban ATMs from casinos

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Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 | 10:55 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LANSING, Mich. -- A Michigan state legislator introduced a bill Tuesday that would ban all automated cash machines from Michigan casino floors.

Republican Rep. Wayne Kuipers, the bill's sponsor, said he believes the legislation is necessary to curb problem gambling in the state. Under current state law, ATMs must be placed at least 50 feet from any gambling areas.

"If there is a way to curtail the funds of those people who suffer from gambling addiction, that's what we want to do," Kuipers said.

Awareness of addictive gambling rose in Michigan last week after a police officer shot and killed himself in Detroit's MotorCity casino following a losing streak at a blackjack table.

"We had been working on (the bill) prior to that, but his death emphasized a continuing problem that is going on in our state," Kuipers said.