POKER machines will start to ring out again across Echuca this week.
The newest COVID restrictions in the state allow for up to 10 machines to be opened in a venue after months of being closed.
With restrictions set to further ease on November 23, clubs could be just weeks away from changing to a four-square-metre rule which would further expand access to machines.
Echuca Workers general manager Erin Langman said the easing of restrictions was a good start, but that changes in two weeks were essential.
“It's a win for venues to be able to open up,” she said.
“Ten machines isn't a big number in terms of what we have on the premises, but it is a positive start for us to be able to begin generating a bit more income, and we will operate accordingly.”
Ms Langman said she hoped planned changes in two weeks would go ahead.
“That will have a massive impact, it will be a very favourable outcome for us,” she said.
“Hopefully that will begin to get us somewhere back towards normal.”
While Ms Langman said the changes would have a positive impact on the business, she added that clubs were going to take a long time to recover from the pandemic.
“Hopefully opening the machines will begin to help us recover,” she said.
“But we will still be in a position for some time - probably for 18 months - where we will have to watch every dollar.
“It's had a huge impact on us financially, being closed for such a long time, and that will be the case for a lot of businesses across the community.
“All of this will have an impact in recovery, but it's still going to take some time."