There are some notable developments to report regarding Australia's casino gambling industry. Characterized by its strict regulatory legislation, the Aussie gaming biz makes up one of the largest betting sectors in the world. With a booming lottery, slots machine and horseracing industry, Australia has never been in the need for more bettors. Aussies wager over $130 billion per year and have one of the highest rates of gamblers per capita. Taking wind of all this gambling, Australia's State Department has recently decided to take back more from gaming operators.

With just a few weeks before the Victoria state budget is to be revealed, Treasurer, John Bumby, announced plans to increase the hospital levy on casino slots by over 40%. At this new rate, each of Victoria's 30,000 slot machines will be subject to a $4,333 levy - a $1,300 increase from the former $3,033 levy. Beginning July 1, this will mean that hospitals will have $39 million more for renovations, upgrades and new equipment. Brumby stated the public deserves more of the "abnormally large monopoly profits" that Australia's casino operators have been raking in.

As could be expected, both Tattersalls and Tabcorp were displeased about the decision. Tabcorp's Chief Executive, Elmer Kupper, said that with July smoking ban fast approaching, shareholders will be "suffering". Tabcorp's leading man, Dick McIlwain, said this decision will "devalue" its gaming license, perhaps alluding to losses as well. However, most casino gaming analysts would agree the two monopolies will not be hard pressed to pay the increase in taxes. The biggest losses will be in the number of smaller licensed gambling operators, which since the beginning of this year, have dropped by almost 7%.

Although the number of gaming machines has dropped slightly, Aristocrat Technologies (the Australia-based global leader in slot machine production) has been busy developing new games. Aristocrat recently announced they have received approval to release their new Outback Jack double standalone progressive jackpot slot. With new pricing options, six bonus features, free credits and a sizable progressive jackpot, perhaps the increased slot levy is in order after all.