In 12 months, gamblers lost $440 million on 3,871 east Melbourne pokies. The state reckons that’s not the half of it

Ten machines are allowed for every 1,000 adults.

Author

Matthew Sims
June 30, 2026

Across eastern Melbourne in 2024/25, gamblers lost more than $441.9 million on 3,871 pokies but according to the state regulator, the region could accommodate another 4,240 machines.

📍 The current spread: According to regulator the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), there are 58 venues operating poker machines - also known as electronic gaming machines (EGMs) - across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

There are 955 pokies in the Monash local government area (LGA), 711 in Knox, 640 in Maroondah, 460 in Manningham, 452 in Yarra Ranges, 431 in Whitehorse and 162 in Boroondara.

That is 3,871 pokies. However, according to the VGCCC, which doles out pokie licences in Victoria, there is a cap of 7,992 pokies across those LGAs, meaning the state is prepared to more than double the current number. 

📈 Room to grow: Last week, the Eastern Melburnian reported on a VGCCC decision, published in March, approving an application from the owners of Croydon’s Dorset Gardens Hotel to increase pokies at the venue from 97 to 105.

  • The VGCCC caps the maximum number of pokies at any single venue at 105.

  • According to the regulator, Maroondah alone could accommodate another 111 machines before reaching its legislated limit of 759.

❌ No changes: In November 2017, former State Gaming Regulation Minister Marlene Kairouz announced revised municipal EGM limits. The changes took effect in August 2022 and will remain in place for 20 years.

  • The State Government has not introduced further changes to those entitlements since.

⚖️ The right balance: According to the VGCCC, the limit for EGMs across the state is currently 27,372, with no more than 13,273 or 48.5 percent allowed in clubs and no more than 14,099 or 51.5 percent permitted to operate in pubs/hotels.

  • The municipal cap is calculated at a maximum of 10 pokies per 1,000 adults.

⏭️ What’s next: Any operators looking to increase the number of pokies at a venue must apply to their local council and the VGCCC.

  • According to legislation, the commission cannot approve an application unless it's satisfied that “the net economic and social impact of the proposal will not be detrimental to the wellbeing of the community”.