Victorian Councils Renew Calls for Stronger Poker Machine Controls
Brimbank, Monash and Hume councils are calling for stronger action to reduce gambling harm ahead of the November 2026 Victorian state election.
The councils, together with the Alliance for Gambling Reform, are urging all political parties and candidates to support two key measures: mandatory carded play with fixed loss limits, and reduced poker machine operating hours, with venues closing between midnight and 10am.
The push comes after new data showed Victorians lost a record $3.318 billion on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) during 2025–26. The figure was 5.5% higher than the previous year's $3.14 billion.
Brimbank recorded the highest poker machine losses among Victorian councils. Residents lost $185.35 million during 2025–26, up 5.4% from $175.9 million the previous year.
That works out to an average loss of $1,091 per adult, almost twice the Victorian average of $565.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Virginia Tachos said gambling harm was contributing to financial pressure, relationship problems, housing insecurity and other serious social issues.
Hume also recorded its highest annual EGM losses for the second consecutive year. Residents lost $157.16 million, an increase of 6.3% from the previous year.
Hume Mayor Cr Carly Moore said stronger gambling controls could make a significant difference to families affected by gambling harm.
In Monash, residents lost $128.4 million to poker machines in 2025–26, placing the council among Victoria's ten highest-loss areas.
Monash Mayor and Alliance for Gambling Reform Board Chair Stuart James said mandatory carded play and binding loss limits were needed to provide stronger protection for communities.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform is now calling on all parties contesting the 2026 Victorian election to commit to both reforms before polling day.
Campaigners say the continued rise in poker machine losses highlights the need for stronger action to reduce gambling harm across Victoria.
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Source : Press Released.
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