The impact of electronic gaming machines on retail trade in Victoria: The first four years, 1992-96

This paper sets out to examine the emergence of electronic gaming in Victoria and its impact on retail trade during the first four years of operation. A multiple regression model for retail trade involving gaming revenue, employment and seasonal variation was developed. Initial findings suggest that electronic gaming has been negatively associated with only a small number of retail industry groups and subgroups. For total retail trade and for a majority of retail sectors however no negative links were detected with some sectors (including hotels and licenced clubs) showed positive relationships.