Panel puts ATMs away from slots Advisory group wants machines 25 feet apart

AUGUSTA – Gamblers running low on cash at Bangor’s racetrack casino will have to walk at least 25 feet to withdraw money from an automated teller machine as the result of recommendations adopted Thursday by a special gambling advisory council.

The issue arose during a meeting of the Governor’s Gambling Control Advisory Council, charged with developing rules and regulations for the yet-to-be-named state Gambling Control Board. The board eventually will adopt operational policies and monitor slot machine activity at the Bangor track facility known in gaming circles as a “racino.”

George McHale of Orrington, chairman of the five-member advisory panel, advanced the subject of ATMs at the facility as part of council’s fourth meeting held at the Cross State Office Building in Augusta. After reviewing regulations on ATM locations in other gambling states, McHale said the 25-foot buffer zone separating the two competing varieties of cash machines seemed reasonable.

“[That way] somebody couldn’t stand at a machine, put their card in here, take their money out and put it in there,” he said. “They would at least have to leave the machine, lose their place at the machine and walk to the ATM to get some more money.”

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Cantara said members of the Maine Senate had voiced similar concerns over players “emptying their accounts” and plunging deeper into gambling addiction and financial recklessness if the ATMs were located too close to the playing area.

“I like the idea that they have to lose their place in line and actually walk a few feet away,” said panel member Jean Deighan of Bangor. “That, I think, is the best we can do.”

The council unanimously approved a policy establishing the placement of ATMs at the racino in areas that are a minimum of 25 feet away from any slot machine. The panelists also recommended:

. Racino operation hours from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. daily except for an opening hour of noon Sunday. The facility would be closed on Christmas and Easter.

. Pursuing advertising guidelines that, among other provisions, do not encourage gambling by minors or offer guarantees of winning.

. Adopting existing state laws restricting smoking and alcohol consumption in public establishments.

. Limiting the number of slot machines at the racino to 1,500 devices.

The council voted to continue its search for an executive director for the state Gambling Control Board, a position containing numerous requirements, including no adverse criminal history. A bachelor’s degree in either public or business administration, law or law enforcement or another profession directly related to the responsibilities dictated under the state’s racino law is preferred by the council. Related professional experience, however, also could be considered by the council, which also could consider a high school graduate for the post under certain circumstances.

Ads for the position, with a salary range from $45,926 to $64,147, will be placed in the Bangor Daily News, the Portland Press Herald and the Kennebec Journal during the weekends of July 24-25 and July 31-Aug. 1. Council members hope a successful candidate can be named by mid-September.

Additional information concerning the Governor’s Gambling Control Advisory Council can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.state.me.us/dps/GambBoard.