Keller @ Large: Lawmakers Scrap Casino ATM Ban
BOSTON (CBS) – ATMs and casinos can be a dangerous mix for gamblers, but a last-minute change on Beacon Hill is putting the two together.
ATMs were supposed to be banned from casinos in Massachusetts, but lawmakers changed that on Christmas Eve.
"I am very concerned about allowing any ATMs in casinos," said State Senator James Eldridge (D-Acton).
But despite the longstanding concern of this state senator and other casino critics that making ready cash available to players would exacerbate compulsive gambling problems, banking industry complaints about restrictions on ATM placement prompted the Christmas Eve scrapping of the ban on ATM's where gambling occurs, replaced by language that allows them within a few yards of the casino floor.
"We know they're already very predatory in casinos," Sen. Eldridge said. "And the ability of some of these banks or financial services to data mine that information is particularly troubling."
Eldridge is referring to the common practice of mining ATM data to help casinos target their marketing to the habitual players who drive their profit margins.
Confirmation, they claim, of the worst fears of casino skeptics.
"It fosters an environment that breeds addiction," said Celeste Myers, an anti-casino activist.
WBZ-TV reached out to Senator Stephen Brewer (D-Barre), a key sponsor of the amendment, but he was unavailable to comment.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which does not write casino law, but is charged with regulating licensees, told WBZ in a statement, "If the Commission is asked for an opinion, it would support a ban on ATMs from the gaming area, but do not believe that it is reasonable to ban ATMs from the entire destination-resort."
The Gaming Commission has issued licenses to Wynn Resorts for a casino in Everett, MGM Resorts for a project in downtown Springfield and Penn National Gaming for a slot parlor in Plainville.
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