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…" | 
