Xenophon says gambling reforms 'historic'

A parliamentary report has offered a 'historic opportunity' to tackle problem gambling, independent Senator Nick Xenophon says.

A parliamentary report has offered a 'historic opportunity' to tackle problem gambling, independent Senator Nick Xenophon says.

The report said it was possible to adopt new technology, known as a mandatory pre-commitment system, by 2014 to limit the amount of money a gambler can put through pokies.

Mr Xenophon is confident the reforms will pass into law because Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie's support for the minority Labor government hangs on the reforms being adopted.

"I think the prime minister knows the imperative of getting these reforms through because Andrew Wilkie has been unambiguous from day one," the independent senator for South Australia told AAP in Adelaide on Friday.

"He will walk away away from the agreement with the prime minister unless these reforms are implemented." Mr Xenophon said the tenuous nature of minority government meant that important reforms had a chance of being passed.

"The fact there is a hung parliament has obviously given an opportunity for reforms that would not otherwise be considered because of the vested interests of the gambling lobby.

"This is an historic opportunity to make a difference for hundreds of thousands of Australians affected by problem gambling."