New South Wales has recorded an increase in the amount spent on pokies despite cutting the number of machines to reduce harm in gambling.

According to data published by Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), the amount of money spent in pokies has reached $73.3 billion in fiscal year 2014-2015. A 6% increase in revenue was seen compared to $68.9 billion a year ago even though the number of gaming machines in operation in the clubs and pubs also fell to 93,364, with a loss of 244 gaming machines.

“The ‘turnover‘ figures refer to the total value in dollars of bets made on gaming machines, including bets that are made using credits won during the course of play,” said ILGA.

Fairfield posted the highest pokies turnover with £7.6 billion in 2014-15, an increase of $639 million through 3300 machines. Similar trend could be noticed in the other high-turnover local government areas.