Australia's Tabcorp says FY08 net loss $150 mln

SYDNEY, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (TAH.AX), Australia's top gaming group, reported a net loss after tax of A$164.6 million ($150 million) after taking a charge on Victorian gaming licences, the company said in a statement on Thursday. Tabcorp, which owns Sydney's Star City casino, TAB wagering and Keno games, took a A$487.7 million charge reflecting the Victoria state government's view that Tabcorp was not entitled to a licence fee refund.

The company reported a normalised net profit after tax before items of A$516.9 million for fiscal year ended June 30.

Tabcorp shares are down about 42 percent in 2008, nearly double the drop in the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO. ($1=A$1.10) (Reporting by Denny Thomas)