New AG: Casinos should follow consumer laws

Attorney General Maura Healey yesterday made a series of recommendations to the state Gaming Commission, including re-examining part of its proposed gambling regulations that would allow casinos to seek exceptions from the rules.

"We believe that no casino should be allowed to deviate from important consumer protection regulations and that any other variance should be sought subject to a full and transparent public process," she said.

On her first full day as the state's chief law enforcement officer yesterday, Healey testified before the commission, which also reviewed new renderings of Wynn Resorts' planned Everett casino, a curved, 629-room tower with bronze-colored glass that Commissioner Enrique Zuniga called "iconic."

Citing "significant ambiguity" over whether existing law prohibits the placement of ATMs in casinos, Healey also urged the commissioners to explore the issue through a "standalone public process" and, should they conclude that the law does allow ATMs in casinos, to consider a "wide range of protections," including requiring that the machines be placed a certain distance from the casino floor, prohibiting credit card cash advances and capping withdrawals.

Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby said the state Division of Banks interpreted the law as allowing ATMs inside casinos, provided they are not in the "gaming area." Proposed regulations restrict ATMs from being closer than 15 feet to the area. But Crosby said the commission may reconsider that, given all the comments it has received.

Healey also urged the commission to add to its proposed prohibition on placing a lien on a homeowner's primary residence to collect outstanding gambling debt, and explicitly ban casinos from selling consumers' gambling debt.

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