Pokies losses hit $3.3 billion -- Brimbank, Hume, and Monash mayors demand election action

Brimbank, Monash and Hume mayors renew calls for reform as vulnerable communities record some of the worst poker machine losses in the state 

The Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) together with Brimbank City Council, the City of Monash, and Hume City Council is calling on all parties contesting the November 2026 Victorian state election to commit to two urgent reforms: the swift implementation of mandatory carded play with binding preset loss limits, and a permanent reduction in poker machine operating hours to close venues between midnight and 10am. 

The call comes as new data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission reveals Victorians lost $3.318 billion to electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in 2025–26 — the state's highest annual loss on record, up 5.5% on the previous year's $3.14 billion. 

Brimbank — among the most disadvantaged local government areas in the state — recorded the highest council loss in Victoria: residents lost $185.35 million to poker machines, up 5.4% on the $175.9 million lost in 2024–25. That's an average loss of $1,091 per adult in Brimbank, almost double the state average of $565. 

"Reducing gambling harm in Brimbank is one of Council’s key advocacy priorities because we know the wide-ranging effects it has in contributing to financial stress, relationship breakdowns, family violence, housing insecurity, homelessness, social isolation and mental health challenges. We expect the State Government to deliver stronger gambling protections, and we will continue to hold them accountable until real change is delivered" says Brimbank Mayor, Cr Virginia Tachos. 

Hume recorded its highest annual EGM loss on record for the second-year running, with residents losing $157.16 million in 2025–26 — up 6.3% on last year. 

"Hume City experiences higher levels of gambling harm than many other parts of Victoria. Council has long called for meaningful reforms to reduce the harm caused by electronic gaming machines. These changes could make a real difference for the many families affected by gambling harm." says Cr Carly Moore, Mayor of Hume City. 

Monash residents lost $128.4 million to EGMs in 2025–26, placing it among the ten highest-loss councils in the state. 

" We must do more to protect our communities from pokies, one of the most harmful forms of gambling. We have the technology to reduce that harm, but it will only work if carded play is mandatory with binding pre-set limits. If government is serious about reducing gambling harm, responsibility must shift from individuals to where it belongs; onto the gambling industry," says Board Chair for The Alliance and Mayor of the City of Monash, Stuart James, reflecting on the recent trial in Monash. 

AGR is calling on all candidates and parties contesting the 2026 Victorian state election to publicly commit to both reforms before polling day. With losses climbing every year, campaigners say the tools to stop the harm already exist — what's missing is the political will to use them. 

For more information on AGR's campaign, to arrange interviews with lived experience advocates or AGR spokespeople, contact [email protected] or phone 07 2115 0820