The Victorian government has been quite strict about granting new pokie licenses, scrutinizing every proposal that is presented. So, the Victorian Tavern in Gisborne must have made a very good case for itself because the Victoria Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regular (VCGLR) has granted the venue permission to add eight new poker machines.
This week, the VCGLR has granted approval for the pub’s request to bring its number of pokies up from 42 to 50. The regulatory body decided that the new pokies would be detrimental to the local community because the Victorian Tavern is locate in the Macedonian Ranges, which is considered one of the least disadvantaged areas in the state.
The level of income is an important consideration for the VCGLR when making decisions about introducing new pokies into an area. Studies have shown that low-income areas and disadvantaged neighbourhoods have higher rates of problem gambling and their residents spend more on pokies. As one of the least disadvantaged areas in the state, Macedon is home to 7 pokie venues which brought in $23 million in 2013.
Spending at the club is relatively low, as Victorian Tavern pokies brought in just over $3 million in 2013 – according to a report by researchers at Monash University. The Prince of Wales Hotel in Richmond has 40 pokies and spending amounted to $4.9 million while the 40 pokies at the Golburn Family Hotel brought in $5.7 million and the 40 pokies at the Grand Hotel in Mornington saw players spend $4.2 million in 2013.
Revenue from the new games will help to fund a renovations for the venue, and the redevelopment will benefit the town. The new games will also result in the addition to two new full-time jobs at the venue, which will benefit the local economy.
Overall, the VCGLR is confident that the effect of the new pokies will be positive.
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