ATMs may be banned from poker machine venues nationwide as the Rudd Government attempts to tackle problem gambling.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has ordered a examination of the plan, plus other options such as the use of smartcard technology to reduce surging losses.
The plans could meet some resistance with state governments, who take signigifacnt windfalls through poker machine taxes.
Family and Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin has held talks with anti-gambling activists such as Tim Costello and will head the review.
"Problem gambling can wreck lives," Ms Macklin told News Limited.
"It hurts not only the person with the addiction but the people around them. We are open to exploring ideas about how to tackle this problem."
Mr Costello believed problem gambling was now high on the Prime Minister’s hit list.
"There's been the apology, binge drinking, and a number of other things that Rudd has shown he's moving on. And now I think pokies are on the list," Mr Costello said.
"He's already said that he hates the pokies. You can't be much stronger than that."
Mr Rudd made his concern about pokies clear earlier this year.
"Frankly, I think it is wrong that they are there. That's my personal view," Mr Rudd said.
"I do not want to promise the world here, but I know we have a problem. And I know that in partnership with states and territories, we can work through an agreed analysis on the social impact and what to do about it."
