Club industry set for $40 million pokies battle

Australia's gambling and registered club industry has amassed a $40 million war chest to use against Labor MPs in New South Wales and Queensland, according to the Australian Financial Review, as the battle over poker machine reforms heats up.
The newspaper said thousands of clubs and hotels have joined forces with big businesses such as Crown Ltd with the aim of hurting the Labor government if the ALP refuses to make changes to the controversial bill.
The group is reportedly targeting seats held by key ministers, including Treasurer Wayne Swan, Trade Minister Craig Emerson and Attorney-General Robert McClelland, as well as important marginals.
Under the proposed reforms, spearheaded by Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie, players would be required to set a limit to what they are prepared to lose on poker machines that allow for losses of more than $120 an hour.