A PRE-commitment card will help problem gamblers to kick the habit, according to the federal member for Richmond.

Justine Elliot made the comment today after coming under increasing pressure from clubs to stand behind the “Who Voted for a licence to punt” campaign.

The campaign was organised by 30 clubs from across the Tweed to stop the compulsory licencing of pokie gamblers to set gambling limits.

Until now Ms Elliot has been quiet on the issue, but a statement from her office today gave away more information about where the federal member stood on the pre-commitment card that has the federal government’s backing.

“Having a flutter on the pokies is a part of this, and it’s not a bad part,” Ms Elliot said.

“But when I meet the people whose lives have been ruined by problem gambling I know that this is an issue for our community that we can not ignore.

“A pre-commitment card will give people a tool to control how much they want to spend on the pokies by allowing people to set their own limit on how much money they can afford to lose before they sit down at a poker machine.

“I value the role that local clubs and pubs play in our community. I attend many functions at our local clubs and know the great work they do. They provide so many activities that bring us together and build the bonds of our community.”

Ms Elliot will address a public forum organised by the campaign on Tuesday.