A proposed convention centre for Geelong will not be allowed to operate poker machines.

The facility is expected to feature a hotel, exhibition space and retail shops but the City of Greater Geelong has voted to oppose any gaming operations within the centre.

The $180-million proposal is still in the preliminary stages of planning, with talks dominated by potential siting and land acquisition.

The idea of poker machines has been touted as a way of helping to fund the project.

Councillor Stretch Kontelj has warned the council the whole project could be killed off if limits are placed on it’s scope while it’s still in the early planning stages, and if it ends up having no entertainment features.