The amount of money put into gaming machines rose by more than $20 million over the last 12 months, bucking a long term trend of decreasing spending.
Figures from the Department of Internal Affairs show spending on gaming machines outside of casinos for the year ending in March was 2.3% higher than for the previous 12 months.
Spending had dropped by about $100 million per year between 2007 - 2010, from $945 million to $846 million.
The Problem Gambling Foundation says last year's rise was mainly due to a boost in gambling in Christchurch following the earthquake. It hopes the downward trend will resume.
