Recently, it was proposed that 30 new poker machines would be installed at the Bendingo Stadium. However, residents of the area have come together to address their concerns over installing more poker machines on the premises. Currently, there are 75 poker machines that are already installed at the Bendingo Stadium.
The new pokies would bring the total up to 105 and residents of the area believe that that is far too many. Nearly 90 individuals have filed a complaint regarding the situation. They argue that the addition of more poker machines would have a detrimental affect on society.
They believe that there are more than enough pokies at a wide range of gaming venues in the Greater Bendingo Area and feel that more would do nothing to improve the social and economic climate. Officials representing the stadium want to use the revenue from the new machine to help pay for a new stand-alone arena in the area.
However, Bendingo residents believe that there are more effective ways to gain funding for this endeavor, not including the installing of dozens more poker machines on the premises.