LANSING, Mich. -- A bill to ban ATMs from casinos in Michigan is probably dead for now, the Detroit Free Press reported.
State Rep. James Koetje, chairman of the House Gaming and Casino Oversight Committee, which heard testimony March 22 on the bill, said the proposed ban likely couldn't withstand opposition from banks.
A spokesman for the Michigan Bankers Association said banks oppose the ATM ban, despite their opposition to gambling.
The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Wayne Kuipers, would have barred casinos from installing ATMs on their premises. Gambling opponents say the easy cash access offered by ATMs makes it too easy for patrons to continue wagering money they can't afford to lose.
According to Kuipers, he introduced the bill shortly after an off-duty Oak Park police officer shot and killed himself in the MotorCity casino after losing a large amount of money.
Kuipers told the committee that current laws requiring casino ATMs to be at least 50 feet from gambling areas are not enough to deter impulse gambling.
Koetje said the ban could pose a security risk for casino patrons visiting ATMs at locations away from casinos. Kuipers said if ATMs are allowed only in areas near but off casino premises, the casinos should provide escorts to patrons who use them.
Changing the state gaming laws requires a three-fourths vote of both the House and Senate, instead of a simple majority.
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