At the behest of Independent Andrew Wilkie, the Labor Government plans to introduce technology that would compel poker machine players to declare on a smart card how much they were prepared to spend.

But the clubs industry has argued the technology would be expensive to introduce, would send some clubs to the wall, particularly in the country, and would not prevent problem gambling.

The industry has also questioned why such controls would apply only to poker machines and not other forms of betting such as horse racing and the burgeoning online sector.

Mr Wilkie has said his support for the Government was tied to the legislation, but the Gillard administration is just as dependent on the support of Independent Tony Windsor.

The Member for New England has revealed he has concerns about the workability of a mandatory pre-commitment for poker machines, and its impact on community based clubs in country areas.

The MP has met with representatives of clubs - including those from Armidale and Uralla - and has broached the matter with Mr Wilkie.

“There is no doubt in my mind after talking with smaller club managers that if some of the proposals being talked about come to fruition, they would potentially wipe out some clubs,” Mr Windsor said.

“I’m not convinced that some of the proposals will have the effect of reducing problem gambling.

“I will obviously wait to see the legislation if and when it reaches the Parliament but unless substantial changes are made to the proposal, I will not support anything that will wipe out community based organisations,” he said.