More gamblers boost casino profits
Good economic times have led to a bumper year for Swiss casinos, according to the country's industry association.
Gaming profits for Switzerland’s 17 casinos reached SFr908.8 million ($861.34 million) in 2007, a 5.4 per cent increase over the previous year. More than three quarters of this revenue came from slot machines and the rest from gaming tables.
The number of visitors also rose to five million from 4.7 million a year earlier, the Swiss Casino Association said on Tuesday.
The casino industry currently employs 2,400 people in Switzerland.
The industry also said it faces several challenges in the coming years including a possible smoking ban and new tax laws. Swiss establishments paid SFr482.2 million in tax last year, SFr26.2 million more than in 2006.
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