Alberta shows $30m increase in gaming revenues

Gaming and lottery revenues in the Canadian state of Alberta has increased by $30m for the year ending March 2012, to $1.47bn. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) said that this was nearly $100m more than projected in the 2011-12 budget.

Commission spokeswoman Michelle Hynes-Dawson called the increase a sign of the continued economic rebound in the province.

"It's really a reflection of what's going on in the economy.

"When people are working and there's more extra money, they will spend it on extras like liquor and gaming, as well as on tourism," she added.

Hynes-Dawson said the increase in gaming revenue came from the 3,000 VLTs in provincial bars and restaurants and approximately 12,000 slot machines based in casinos.