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Australian Premier Defends Gaming Record

AUSTRALIA – As reported by the Australia Herald Sun: "Victoria Premier Steve Bracks today defended the state's gaming record after a national report showed it raised more money from gambling revenue than any other state.

"National gambling statistics released last night showed more than $15 billion (US$10.17 billion) was gambled away nationwide in 2001-2002, equivalent to an average of about $1000 per person.

"The Victorian government led the nation in gambling revenue, with $1.4 billion (US$949 million) - or 36 per cent - of the $3.8 billion total funnelled through the state's coffers.

"Mr Bracks today said net expenditure on gaming in Victoria had dropped by 8.9 per cent in the last financial year.

"He said this was because of measures introduced to assist problem gambling, such as restrictions on withdrawals from ATMs at pokie venues, the introduction of clocks and bans on smoking…"

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