THE number of pokie machines at a Hoppers Crossing venue is set to increase from 65 to 75, after the Victorian Commission for Gambling Recreation approved the planned expansion.
At a recent VCGR hearing, the commission decided the Werribee Football Club could install another 10 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) at the Tigers Clubhouse.
Wyndham City Council argued against allowing the pokies increase, but the VCGR stated they were satisfied the extra pokies would not be detrimental to the well-being of the municipality.
The council’s representative at the VCGR hearing submitted a social and economic impact assessment report in support of their stance.
Wyndham has 663 EGMs, which equals to 5.63 per 1000 adults in the area, less than the metropolitan and state averages.
However, Wyndham residents spent an average of $730 per person on the pokies during the last financial year, higher than the Victorian average of $613.
