Vic: Bracks predicts gaming losses will increase in future

00-00-0000
Vic: Bracks predicts gaming losses will increase in future

Victorian Premier STEVE BRACKS says spending on poker machines will increase in future,despite a fall in player losses last year.

New figures show Victorians spent $2.3 billion on poker machines in 2002-03 -- down8.9 per cent on the previous year.

But Mr BRACKS says the fall was due to the government's gaming reforms, particularlya ban on smoking in gaming venues.

The state budget papers forecast $826 million in gaming revenue in 2002-03, down from$894 million the previous year.

But that figure is expected to increase to $895 million this financial year.

AAP RTV bp/gfr/sco/rt

KEYWORD: GAMING VIC BRACKS (MELBOURNE)