Gamblers up the ante
19 Aug 2009
NEW ZEALAND -- As reported by The Dominion Post: "Casino and cinema operator SkyCity Entertainment Group's financial performance provides the latest evidence that gambling spending is holding up despite the recession.
"SkyCity, which either owns or holds major stakes in four of the country's six casinos, said yesterday that revenue from its casinos, excluding the volatile high-roller sector, rose 9 per cent in the six months to June, to $374.9 million.
"This follows figures from Internal Affairs last month that showed punters pumped $217.3 million into pokie machines nationwide during the three months to June, a rise of 4 per cent from the first quarter..."