The number of poker machines in Victoria has remained close to its statutory cap for more than two decades, but per‑capita gaming expenses have eased, according to analysis by gambling regulation specialist Peter Cohen.
“The maximum number of poker machines allowed in the State for most of that time was 27,500, but is now 27,372”, Cohen, Director of Regulatory Affairs at research group The Agenda Group, said in a LinkedIn post analyzing data published by the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC).
“In fact, the highest number ever installed never quite reached the allowable limit, peaking at 27,444 in 2001. The lowest number (apart from during the initial roll‑out) was 26,136 in 2013”.
Despite perceptions that pokies are “ubiquitous”, Cohen said the machines are far from being in “every pub in Victoria.”
Citing official government data, he noted that as of October 31st, 2025, there were 2,047 premises with a General liquor licence – the type required to operate as a hotel – but only 259 hotels had poker machines as of June 30th, 2025. “So, approximately 1 in 8,” Cohen said.
Alongside hotels, 235 club venues also host machines, bringing the total to 483 venues. That compares with a peak of 560 venues in 1998/99 and a low of 481 in 2023/24.
Population growth has reshaped the picture of gambling intensity. Between 2007/08 and 2024/25, the density of poker machines per adult fell 39 percent, from one machine per 153 adults to one per 212.
Annual gambling losses reached a record AU$3.145 billion ($2.10 billion) in 2024/25, but expenditure per adult declined from a peak of AU$649 ($433) in 2008/09 to AU$565 ($377) last year.
“Throughout the period 2012/13 to 2024/25, expenditure per adult (apart from the pandemic‑affected years) lived in the range of AU$550 ($365.5) to AU$565($377)”, Cohen said.
Data published by the VGCCC shows that beyond poker machines, Victorians lost more than AU$7.385 billion ($4.92 billion) across all forms of gambling in the 2024/25 financial year, according to official figures. Taxes and levies paid to the state totalled AU$2.469 billion ($1.65 billion).
Poker machines in hotels and clubs accounted for the largest share of losses at AU$3.145 billion ($2.10 billion), generating AU$1.313 billion ($875 million) in tax revenue. Melbourne’s casino contributed AU$958 million ($639 million) in player losses and AU$176 million ($117 million) in taxes.
Lotteries produced AU$767 million ($511 million) in losses but a comparatively high AU$605 million ($403 million) in levies.
Wagering losses reached AU$738 million ($492 million) through Tabcorp and AU$1.727 billion ($1.15 billion) via other operators, with combined taxes of AU$362 million ($241 million). Keno products added AU$51 million ($34 million) in losses and AU$12 million ($8 million) in taxes.
