Times are definitely getting harder – for the casino operators as well as the rest of us. The US casinos are cutting back on the freebies, such as free meals and accommodation, in an attempt to boost revenues, and in Australia Crown Casino has added a 00 to some roulette wheels to increase the house percentage. According to management this allows Crown to continue to provide roulette at the low stakes tables.

Despite criticism of the move, which will give the casino an edge of 5.6% compared to the single 0 edge of 2.7%, the Victoria Commission for Gambling Regulation has approved the change. Of course the American casinos have always had the extra zeros on their wheels, so no room for extra revenue there. The high rollers at Crown’s roulette tables will still play on single 0 wheels.

The Queensland government is also taking a hit on revenue, mostly self inflicted. Reduced play following a smoking ban is believed to have cost the state around A$50 million and yesterday Premier Anna Bligh announced that no new poker machines would be released to pubs and clubs for the next two years. This means that 2000 gaming machines ready for installation will be kept in storage, providing gaming revenue for neither the operators nor the government. (E-04.18.08)

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