Israeli gambling proceeds made up $353m in 2003

Israeli gambling proceeds made up $353m in 2003

The Central Bureau of Statistics in Israel announced that Israelis spent over NIS 1.6 billion (US$353,3million) on legal gambling in 2003.

According to Globes.co.il, the money, spent on Mifal Hapayis - Israel National Lottery and Toto football (soccer) lottery, amounted to 5.8% of national spending on entertainment, sports and culture.

Total national spending on entertainment, sport and culture increased by 5.5% in 2003 to NIS 28.1 billion (US$6,2billion), after falling 1.9% in 2002.

National spending on entertainment, sport and culture amounted to 5.6% of GDP in 2003. Per capita spending on entertainment, sport and culture rose 4.8% in 2003.