Oakeshott considers gambling reforms

Independent MP Rob Oakeshott has told clubs in his electorate he won't support poker machine reforms that will adversely affect them.

But he's stopped short of announcing a position on the federal government's clampdown on problem gambling, should the plan need federal parliament approval.

The government wants a mandatory pre-commitment scheme - requiring gamblers to carry cards setting betting limits before playing the pokies - in place by 2014.

Daily withdrawal limits of $250 will also be placed on ATMs near gaming machines, under the deal Labor struck with independent MP Andrew Wilkie to form government.

States and territories, which reap millions of dollar in poker machine revenue each year, have been asked to sign up to the plan.

The government has threatened commonwealth powers to force the reforms if the states and territories don't.

In that scenario, Mr Oakeshott's vote could be crucial after fellow independent MP Tony Windsor said he was unlikely to support the requirements.

Mr Oakeshott, who says he supports "an evidence-based approach", met with about 150 club owners in his electorate of Lyne on Wednesday to hear their concerns.

Clubs Australia boss Anthony Ball, who was also in attendance, warned Mr Oakeshott the reforms would cost 267 jobs and $22 million in his mid-north coast seat.

He said the three-hour meeting, at the Laurieton United Services Club near Port Macquarie, was "productive".

"Rob (Oakeshott) said he would have difficulty supporting anything that would hurt his local clubs or shut them down," Mr Ball told AAP.

The reforms will do nothing to address problem gambling, Mr Ball said, noting the industry would send the message to all federal MPs.

"Clubs are located across the width and breadth of Australia. Mr Wilkie's position doesn't have support in club-land or across the Australian community."

Mr Ball also questioned the support of Labor politicians, saying people who go to clubs, including Labor and workers' clubs, represented the party's "traditional heartland".

Clubs Australia has launched a $20 million marketing campaign against the reforms, with print, television, radio and online advertising expected to run nationally from next week.