Royal Hotel in Daylesford gets approval for more poker machines

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has given the green light to a Daylesford hotel to expand its pokies operation.

The Royal Hotel in Daylesford has received permission to have an extra seven poker machines, bringing its total number to 25 (ABC News: Giulio Saggin)

The Royal Hotel has been given permission to have an extra seven poker machines, bringing its total number to 25.

In its decision, the commission found the potential for an increase in problem gambling was low and the social and economic impacts likely to be marginally positive.

However, Hepburn Shire Mayor Kate Redwood said the decision was a blow for problem gamblers.

"I think there's very good evidence from the studies that have been done elsewhere that the availability of poker machines is a very significant factor in people's addiction," she said.

"I can't see that there's any value to this community in extending the number of poker machines.

"In fact, quite the reverse. I think it's likely to have a negative impact on our community."

Source: ABC News    28th April 2015