For the past few months, owners of Bendigo’s Shamrock Hotel have eagerly awaited a decision on whether or not the venue should be able to add 20 new pokies. The issue was heavily debated among local councillors and industry professionals, and the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has finally signed off on the new games.

Now, the Shamrock Hotel will bring its total number of pokies up from 45 to 65. The new games will help to fund renovations for the property, which will cost a total of $4 million. The renovations would see the hotel build nine five-star apartments on the top blood and completely refurbish the bar. Owner Jim Hogan anticipates that the renovations will help to bring more tourism into Bendigo.

By offering luxury apartments, the property would also attract more affluent visitors to the city, which would benefit all types of local businesses. Submissions on the application closed in January, and the commission has spent the past four months deliberating on the issue. The debate was quite fierce, as local councillors faced off against the Shamrock Hotel to fight the addition of new pokies.

Bendigo City Council originally opposed the plan, stating that adding more pokies would have a negative impact on the city. However, the gaming commission stated that the pokies would have a positive impact – not only because they would generate more gaming venues but also because they would fund renovations that will bring in more tourism.

Bendigo’s cap is 756 and there are only 614 pokies at local venues, so the new games will not push the city’s limits very far. Now, the Shamrock Hotel’s owners will have to seek approval from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. There is certainly a lot a legwork to be done, but the hotel is now one step closer to getting its new games.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.