News and media releases: VGCCC & VCAT

On 5 January 2016, the commission heard an application from Sale and District Greyhound Racing Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at the Sale and District Greyhound Racing Club in the Shire of Wellington from 70 to 80.

On 23 December 2015, the commission refused an application to increase the number of pokies at the Sporting Legends Club in the Shire of Wellington.

On 18 June 2015, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Richmond Football Club Ltd to increase the number of pokies at the Wantirna Club from 87 to 97.

On 29 January 2015, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Molwin Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at the Dromana Hotel from 41 to 50.

On 25 September 2014, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) granted the application by the Bakers Arms Hotel Pty Ltd to increase the amount of pokies it operates at the Braybrook Hotel from 31 to 45.

On 18 August 2014, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Castello Pakenham Hotel Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at the Pakenham Hotel from 50 to 70.

On 14 August 2014, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Dandening Club Inc to increase the number of pokies at the Dandenong Club from 94 to 103.

On 29 July 2014, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Ltd to increase the number of pokies at the Swan Hill Club from 35 to 55.

On 28 June 2014, the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation heard an application from Drayton Manor Pty Ltd to increase the number of pokies at the Foundry Hotel Complex from 25 to 45.

Greyhound Promotions Pty Ltd applied for an amendment to its venue operator's license to increase the number of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) operating at Greyhounds Entertainment from 93 to 102.

Grandview Hotel Victoria Pty Ltd was granted a license for 50 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

This is the first combined gaming and planning review proceeding where the tribunal has upheld the gaming approval but refused the planning approval.

Collingwood Football Club applied for an amendment to its license to add 8 electronic gaming machines (EGMs), increasing its EGMs from 80 to 88.

The Maryborough Highland Society lodged a license application for 65 pokies with the former Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation (VCGR) in October 2011.

The Francis Hotel Pty Ltd applied for a license and planning permit for 32 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) for the Francis Hotel located on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne CBD.

Sportsbet, a bookmaker licensed in the Northern Territory, installed a device known as a betbox at the Eureka Stockade Hotel in East Ballarat, Victoria.

As the operator of the Caledonian Hotel in Echuca, Melkat Pty Ltd wanted to install electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and was required to apply for a permit.

Maryborough Highland Society applied for an amendment to their license to increase their electronic gaming machines (EGMs) from 56 to 59.

Royal Hotel Benalla applied for an amendment to their license to increase their electronic gaming machines (EGMs) from 20 to 30. If approved, the hotel said it would increase its financial contributions to the community.

This case represents a successful challenge to a pokies installation made by a local resident, by objecting to the grant of a planning permit by the council. In its finding, the tribunal stated that an assessment of the social and economic impacts of pokies was required under planning legislation as well as during the licence application hearing by the commission.