THE EXCITEMENT of winning big on the pokies was too much to handle for one Roma man, who punched a machine at the Club Hotel after it cashed out on Sunday night.

After landing four blows on the gaming machine in question, causing significant damage, the 30-year-old man absconded from the gaming room and into a nearby nightclub about 1.50am.

He was recognised by the venue manager, who called police.

The offender was arrested for wilful damage and later released on bail.

He will appear in the Roma Magistrates Court on July 16.