Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Knox residents poured a record $84 million into electronic gaming machines during the 2025-26 financial year, new figures reveal, as the City of Knox joins councils across Victoria in confronting the rising cost of gambling harm in local communities.
The numbers behind the headline
Data released by the Victorian Local Governance Association shows Victorians lost an unprecedented $3.318 billion to poker machines statewide over 2025-26. Locally, Knox’s $84 million loss marks a 6.05% jump on the previous financial year.
Broken down further, the figures show:
- An average of $7.6 million lost per gaming venue in Knox over the financial year
- An average of $108,986 lost per individual gaming machine
Council says the continued climb in losses — even as households grapple with cost-of-living pressures — underscores how gambling harm can deepen financial stress and strain the wellbeing of individuals and families across the municipality.
Council’s response: a new help card and a harm prevention policy
In response, Knox City Council has introduced a new gambling support help card aimed at anyone worried about their own gambling or that of someone close to them. Printed copies are now available from the Customer Service desk at Knox Civic Centre, with distribution set to expand to additional locations across the municipality in coming months.
The help card builds on the council’s Gambling Harm Prevention Policy, adopted in February 2026. The policy is structured around four priority areas:
- Planning and Regulation
- Building Community Capacity
- Leadership
- Advocacy
Council says implementation work on the policy is currently underway.
This is a sensitive topic for some readers. If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, help is available around the clock through Gambler’s Help (1800 858 858) or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).
