South Geelong hotel knocked back after bidding for more gaming machines

The state’s commission has rejected plans for a South Geelong hotel to increase its number of gaming machines.

A South Geelong venue has lost the fight to increase its number of gaming machines following a two-day hearing.

The Valley Inn Hotel submitted an application for ten additional machines bringing its total to 39, but was rejected on Friday by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.

The City of Greater Geelong confirmed the application had been officially refused by the VGCCC, after having opposed the plans in February.

Director of Community Life Robyn Stevens thanked the commission for considering a social and economic impact assessment provided by the City and presented during the March 16 and 17 hearing.

“We thank the commission for the time and effort it has taken to consider this proposal and the valuable feedback provided by the local community,” she said.

“The decision recognises that an increase in the number of gaming machines provides an increased risk of problem gambling, which leads to other costs such as family breakdowns, mental health problems and financial stress.”

The latest data shows that $72.6m had already been lost on gaming machines in the Greater Geelong region in 2021-22 and over $972,700 had been lost at the Valley Inn since July 1.

In its reasoning, the commission revealed there were currently 271 electronic gaming machines located within 5km from the Fyans St venue.

The latest data has revealed that $72.6m has been lost on pokies in Geelong in 2021-22

The decision comes as councillors voted to allocate $30,000 to make its submission to the VGCCC in response to the application.

The report included factors such population demographics- including crime, tourism and economic data- as well as disadvantage and unemployment rates, housing stress, labour force participation, education and age ranges.

At the time of the meeting councillor Antony Aitken blamed the Geelong Football Club for onselling their licensing to the community.

“In an ideal situation we should be supporting the reduction of machines and Geelong Football Club should never have been given the opportunity to onsell licenses to operators,” he said.

The City received 260 responses to the application as well as 60 additional comments received through social media with more than 86 per cent refusing to support the application.

There are currently 1349 electronic gaming machines across 26 venues in the Greater Geelong and Queenscliffe regions.

The Geelong Advertiser made attempts to contact the Valley Inn Hotel for a response.

Originally published as South Geelong hotel knocked back after bidding for more gaming machines