After striking a five-year low, gamblers spent slightly more on the slot machines, bingo games and poker tables at Treasure Cove Casino during the last fiscal year, according to a B.C. Lottery Corporation annual report released this week.
Over 2010-11, some $53.6 million was spent at Treasure Cove, up by nearly $3 million from 2009-10.
Most of the increase was due to an $2-million rise in bingo revenues, to $8.9 million, after the ill-fated Chances Good Time Prince George was closed in June 2010, slightly more than a year after it was opened, and the game was moved from downtown to Treasure Cove.
A provincial ban on smoking indoors and a less-cozy atmosphere were blamed when revenue from bingo took a $4.4-million freefall in Prince George between 2007-08 and 2008-09.
Chances has since been converted into the Commonwealth Health Centre and a 36-unit seniors development is under construction next door.
Spending on slots and the gaming tables rose by about $950,000 in 2010-11.
And the City's share of gaming revenue added up to $2.6 million, a $152,000 increase over 2009-10.
During 2009-10, $50.7 million was spent on gambling - the lowest total since 2004-05 when $47 million in revenue was generated. It was the third straight year of declining revenue after a peak of $66.3 million in 2005-06.
The totals are after prizes are paid out.
Management at Treasure Cove could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
