Research shows low level of households' gambling spend
Posted by Sarah Banks on 21 Aug 2009 at 15:08
Figures released at a gambling expo in Sydney, Australia, have shown leisure spending on the sector is below that of other areas including the likes of alcohol, cigarettes and take away food.
According to the statistics unveiled at the Australasian Gaming Expo, the average percentage of total household spend on gambling stood at only 0.6 per cent of total income.
Inter Game Online said this was compared with meals eaten out, including fast food, at 4.7 per cent.
Quoted by the site, the chief executive of the Gaming Technologies Association, Ross Ferrar, said: "Playing poker machines, which makes up 39 per cent of the gambling dollars spent, is a popular leisure activity undertaken by many people who have a higher level of discretionary expenditure.
"Australians spend $12 a week playing poker machines. We are delighted that people are finding great enjoyment in playing poker and the industry is working hard to create even more entertaining games for them."
