UPDATE: New documents reveal that Wodonga’s Huon Hill Hotel is pushing forward with plans to install 70 electronic gaming machines, despite a government freeze on new poker machines in Victoria. The application, submitted by JDA Hotels, comes as the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC) has made the details public, sparking renewed debate over the impact on the local community.
This latest move follows a controversial decision by the Wodonga Council, which previously expressed strong opposition to a larger application for 75 machines. The council’s submission process is now open for public feedback until August 6, 2025, urging community members to voice their opinions on how the gaming machines may affect local well-being.
In a stark contrast to the Victorian government’s cap of 27,372 poker machines until 2042, Victoria currently hosts over 26,000 machines. A VGCCC spokesperson noted that the average number of active poker machines in the state was 26,258 for the financial year ending June 2025. This number fluctuates due to various operational factors, including maintenance and renovations.
JDA Hotels co-owner John Feros has emphasized that the company is committed to supporting the local community through sponsorships and donations. The Huon Hill Hotel, if approved, is projected to generate an estimated $4,159,540 in revenue, a slight decrease from the previously anticipated $4,456,650 with the larger application.
In a bid to enhance its offering, the venue plans to invest $6 million to transform the pub into a club featuring the new gaming area. Following council feedback, JDA Hotels withdrew its initial application earlier this month, resubmitting for the reduced number of machines just days later.
The council’s decision to challenge the initial proposal was made on June 23, resulting in a casting vote from deputy mayor Michelle Cowan, after Mayor Michael Gobel declared a conflict of interest. The council has since opened a new submissions process on their Facebook page, encouraging residents to share their views directly related to the new application.
Submissions must be received by August 6, 2025, via the Make Wodonga Yours website. Community members can also send feedback directly to the VGCCC at [email protected] until September 19, 2025. Following this, JDA Hotels will be required to present their case at a VGCCC hearing in Melbourne, with the date still to be confirmed.
In an effort to address gambling-related issues, the Victorian government recently announced a new trial set to run from September to November across 43 venues. Participants will be required to use a YourPlay card to set loss limits while using gaming machines. This trial is part of broader reforms aimed at reducing gambling harm, as stated by Victorian Minister Enver Erdogan.
As the public waits for further developments, the local community’s voice will play a critical role in determining the future of the Huon Hill Hotel’s gaming plans. Will Wodonga residents rally against these machines once more, or will they accept the new gaming landscape? The clock is ticking for submissions, and the stakes are high for both the pub and the community.
