It was announced this week that, according to the request made by John Major’s Properties Ltd., the city council will summon a public hearing to decide if the Treasure Cove Casino will be given permission to add 175 slot machines. If the machines were allowed, it would mean a 43.75 percent increase.

The owner and operator of the Treasure Cove Casino plans to convert the casino show lounge into a gaming space to house the additional slot machines. Accordingly, the theatre behind the lounge would become the new show lounge. The $5 million remodeling would create 30 new jobs and generate $1 million a year in revenue for the city.

“The overwhelming number of complaints the casino owners get is the lack of sufficient slot machines,” George Paul, a consultant for the casino operator, said. He also explained that many casino punters are from out of town, which creates a peak demand for slot machines on weekends.

The public hearing to decide on the increase of slot machines will be held at the city council on July 9 at City Hall.