Police are appealing for public assistance after a man robbed a gaming venue in Ararat early this morning.

Police have been told a man, with his face covered, entered the bistro area of the venue on High Street just after 12.30am.

The man approached staff at the bar and produced a small crowbar before making demands for cash.

Staff handed over a large amount of cash and the offender fled the scene.

He was last seen running through the car park towards the subway area on Birdwood Avenue.

A number of patrons were present at the time of the incident and no one was injured.

The offender was wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper pulled over his face with dark coloured pants and blue surgical gloves.

Police are keen to speak to any patrons or witnesses, or anyone that may have seen the offender or suspicious activity in the area.