AFL clubs reaped millions of dollars from poker machines last year, as pokies losses in Victorian pubs and clubs swelled to $2.7 billion - the second highest amount on record.

Losses hit the highest level in ten years, data from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulator released Friday shows, and the state's poorest suburbs were over-represented.

Losses at Hawthorn's venues were close to $25 million. Credit:Wayne Ludbey

The City of Brimbank - which covers St Albans, Sunshine and surrounding areas - topped the list at $143 million as the local government area with the greatest losses..

The $2.69 billion lost in the 2018/19 financial year is the second highest on record, after 2009. However it is only slightly (0.13 per cent) higher than last year, even with population growth and inflation.