DES MOINES – A task force studying the spread of TouchPlay machines presented recommendations Wednesday to restrict access to the video lottery machines, including erecting barriers and taking steps to ban minors from playing them.

The panel also supported restrictions on where the machines could be installed, limiting them only to businesses that sell age-restricted products.

“We have a consensus that there are not adequate safeguards,” said Montezuma lawyer Michael Mahaffey, task force chairman.

The group also said a moratorium on installation of the machines should be kept in place until the Legislature decides what to do. Gov. Tom Vilsack, who appointed the task force, said he would support its recommendations and keep the moratorium in place.

Vilsack ordered a moratorium on the installation of the machines until March 9, when the task force will issue its final report. Vilsack said that date will be extended until the Legislature takes action.

The debate is far from over, as some members of the task force support restrictions, such as only allowing the machines in businesses where adults are allowed, or banning them in counties that haven’t approved gambling.

“The local people are shocked,” said task force member Mary Ellen Chamberlain. “There’s been absolutely no local choice.”

Under the recommendations made Wednesday, physical barriers would have to be erected around the machines, the number of agents regulating them would increase and a driver’s license would be required to claim a ticket.

Workers in the stores would have the same authority to check identification as they do when selling alcohol and cigarettes. The reasoning for limiting the machines to businesses which sell adult products is that workers in those businesses are trained to catch minors.

In addition, ATMs would have to be moved away from TouchPlay machines and warnings would have to be posted.

The debate over TouchPlay started after critics said the machines were identical to slot machines, which are only allowed in casinos and amount to putting gambling everywhere in the state.

More than 5,000 of the machines have been installed in thousands of convenience stores, taverns and grocery stores around the state, with another 4,000 coming.

“The state has basically opened the door to mini-casinos,” Chamberlain said.

Task force members also said they would refine recommendations on surveillance of the machines, and will examine ways of further restricting use by youth.

Many lawmakers have called for banning the machines, but state lottery officials warn that could leave the state facing a potential liability as high as $200 million.