In the year ending in June 2022, $8,918,822.77 was expended across Horsham's three electronic gambling machine venues - with a total of 152 machines.

Data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission show that Horsham also spent more on pokies for the year ending in June 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, where $5,859,438.10 was spent.

For the month of June 2022, $869,504.28 was lost at the pokies in Horsham, an increase from $847,010.98 spent in May.

In nearby Northern Grampians Shire, $3,657,235.73 was lost at the pokies for the year ending in June 2022 across 80 electronic gambling machines.

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Ararat lost $4,188,923.57 during the same period across 88 machines.

Gambling advocacy groups have said the losses were concerning and called for "significant reforms" to stop increasing pokies losses in the regions.

Alliance for Gambling Reform chief executive Carol Bennett said the first half of 2022 saw "record breaking" losses, peaking in April.

"The first half of 2022 record breaking poker machine losses across the state for Victoria, with April 2022 seeing the most money ever lost on poker machines in Victoria, the impact that will be having on families and communities is massive, especially following the pandemic," she said.

Ms Bennett said rural local government areas were heavily impacted by rising gambling losses - pointing to the Rural City of Wodonga, which has seen a 47.56 per cent rise in losses in the past year, and Mildura, which saw a 21.56 per cent increase.

"There has been increases across the state, however it is very startling to see such significant increases in our regional communities who may be further from seeking in person support from counsellors," she said.

"This cements the need for significant reforms to prevent gambling harm and stop these losses continuing to rise. We need a reduction in opening hours, a reduction in the maximum bet and a universal pre-commitment scheme to support people setting limits and sticking to them."

Phone Gambler's Help on 1800 858 858, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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