Pokie machine spending down

Pokie machine spending was down by $22 million, or almost 10 per cent, for the first three months this year compared with the previous quarter.

The Department of Internal Affairs said today said the drop may be a sign of the economic times.

Pokie machines spending at pubs and clubs was $208.7 million for the quarter ending March, compared with $230.7 million for the final quarter of 2008.

- NZPA