But it was tinged with sadness knowing this would be last time cup day punters would use the outlet after more than 25 years.

The agency will be close at the end of business on November 8 and will move to the Central Hotel where business will resume the next day.

General manager of the South Australian TAB Grant Harrison said that it was a commercial decision as it was not longer viable to run the agency.

“The lease was due to be renewed and the commercial viability was marginal so we took the opportunity to close the agency and relocate to the Central Hotel,” he said.

Port Pirie TAB Manager Shirley Foster, who will transfer to the hotel, expressed the sadness of the three staff who were upset. “We have seen a lot of people go through and made a lot of friends,” she said.

“I feel for the woman who like to place a bet, but may feel uncomfortable in a hotel environment.”

Casual punter Ross Farrell said that after all these years the closure was a bit sad. Another punter Vic Pisani was not pleased with the decision.

Don Angione said that the TAB facility was losing clients.

“Not enough people are using the TAB office because they are already going to the hotels,” he said

The men said it was a friendly and quiet atmosphere at the agency.