Push to query pokies bet limit refusal

Nick Xenophon wants a senate inquiry to find out why poker machine makers have rebuffed Coles' plan to put $1 limits on pokies in its hotels.

Nick Xenophon will introduce a bill to force the ABC to reinstate its shortwave radio service. (AAP)

Poker machine makers are a "pack of malevolent bastards" for rebuffing Coles' request to trial bet limits on machines in its hotels, independent senator Nick Xenophon says.

Supermarkets and hotels operator Coles wants to conduct a trial of $1 bet limits to see if it will improve responsible gambling but makers of poker machines have declined to participate.

Senator Xenophon says he will push for a senate inquiry into the decision, by manufacturers so they can explain why they "refused to be a part of making these machines less addictive or safer".