Councillors to decide on hotel pokies bid

Baw Baw Shire councillors are expected to vote tonight on whether to approve the installation of eight extra poker machines in Drouin.

The Drouin Family Hotel currently operates 20 poker machines and wants to add another eight.

A councillor officer report has recommended that councillors vote in favour of the increase.

The report says there are currently 190 poker machines in the shire, well below the state average of 299.

It says the increase should be allowed because the shire does not have a high level of disadvantage and an additional eight machines will equate to a minor increase in total gambling revenue.

The Drouin Family Hotel says it will use the extra money made from the poker machines to upgrade the venue.

Councillors are expected to vote on the issue at tonight's general council meeting.

Source : http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-08/councillors-to-decide-on-hotel-pokies-bid/4676772