The Gambling Control Board made a sound decision last week when it decided to prohibit ATM machines on the gaming floor of a planned racino in Bangor.

Showing the wisdom of compromise and common sense, the board revised the current rules concerning ATMs, which say that they must be at least 25 feet from the closest slot machine. Moving ATMs off the gaming floor adds just a minor inconvenience to gamblers – many of whom are unlikely to be deterred by a short walk away from the one-armed bandits – but adds just enough of a hurdle that people have a chance to consider what they’re doing before dipping into the savings account.

A proposal from Sen. Ethan Strimling earlier this year would have moved ATMs at least 500 feet from the slot machines. Later, the bill would have banned cash machines from the facilities altogether. His plans went nowhere, and it looked like the rules would stand at just 25 feet, which is too close.

The Gambling Control Board, however, revisited the issue Thursday and found middle ground that’s reasonable.