New research has revealed poker machine clubs owned by the AFL have been linked to an increase family violence.

The Monash University research obtained by The Herald Sun found the majority of AFL pokie machines were located in lower-socio economic areas.

Using crime data from police, the report found family violence increased by 21.5 percent in north-western suburbs of Victoria where AFL pokies were placed.

There are more than 1000 AFL poker machines dotted across the state. (AAP file image)

In contrast, north-western suburbs without the pokies showed a rise of less than 18 percent, according to the newspaper.

In Melton, where nearly half of all pokies are controlled by the AFL, the increase in family violence incidents between 2013-17 was a staggering 35 percent.

A total of $93,995,953 was lost by players on the 1316 AFL gaming machines; the Herald Sun reports clubs receive a share of the earnings.

Research leader Dr Charles Livingstone concluded the multiple AFL-themed pokies were “strongly at odds” with the league’s respect and responsibility policy.

Victorians spent more than $2 billion on poker machines last year. (AAP file image)

“Electronic gaming machine (pokies) concentrations are associated with higher levels of family incidents,” he found.

The report findings come after Victorians lost a staggering $2.609 billion on poker machines between 2016-17 .