Media response - Victorian Government pokies trial

Published on 29 September 2025

Enquiry from ABC News

Given the government has changed its requirements for mandatory car-based play, does Monash still endorse the trial?

Response

In the 2023-24 financial year pokies took $126m from the Monash community. These machines prey on people and cause harm.

We are disappointed the Victorian Government did not include mandatory and binding loss limits in their trial, and we do not support it given this omission. 

I urge the Victorian Government to revisit this and work with councils to protect our local communities from gambling harm.

Provided as background information

There 955 electronic gaming machines (pokies) in Monash across 15 venues.

Issued: 29 September

To: ABC News

Quoting: Mayor Cr Paul Klisaris