Italy Jan-May gambling up more than 9 pct

MILAN, Italy -- As reported by Reuters: "Wagers in Italy rose 9.5 percent in the first five months of the year to 22 billion euros ($31.04 billion), state gambling monopoly AAMS said on Wednesday.

"...In May 2009 scratch card and lotto wagers were down year on year, while sports betting and online poker were higher.

"Gaming has remained resilient in the economic downturn..."