Tasmanian
Gambling Numbers Up
As reported by the Mercury:
"Tasmanians continued their gaming binge
in 2004-05 with a 5 per cent increase in turnover,
the Tasmanian Gaming Commission annual report
shows.
"An
increase in gaming machine numbers at the Wrest
Point and Country Club casinos contributed to
a $45 million increase to $966 million in turnover.
"Gaming
in hotels and clubs increased by $43 million
to $1.08 billion. The figures equate to losses
of about $231 million on gaming machines by
Tasmanians.
"The
Gaming Commission said there was a 10 per cent
downturn because of smoking bans in the first
six month of 2005 compared with the same period
last year.
"…But
Opposition Treasury spokesman Brett Whiteley
said the report showed gaming industry fears
of a downturn because of smoking bans were completely
unfounded.
"Taxation
and licence fees increased by $2.5 million to
$59.5 million…"
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