This decision was made by the federal government last month when Prime Minister Julia Gillard backed down on the proposed poker-machine reforms, saying the previous deal wouldn't get enough support in parliament.

The government's new plan will see a mandatory pre-commitment trial take place throughout clubs in the ACT with results to be examined in 2013.

Mitchell MP Alex Hawke hit out at the government's backflip saying independent MP Andrew Wilkie and the Australian public had been betrayed.

"Her agreement with Andrew Wilkie was a drawn-up legal document," he said. "If the Prime Minister can back-flip on this why should anyone take her seriously?

"The Coalition has had a consistent position on poker-machine reform with voluntary pre-commitment, more counselling and tackling online gambling."

Parramatta MP Julie Owens defended the policy change insisting "a staged evidence-based pathway to mandatory pre-commitment" was the best option.

Baulkham Hills Sports Club chief executive Huw Bennett was relieved the government was focusing on an evidence-based approach to poker-machine reforms.

"This makes sense and is, if I understand it correctly, what the productivity commission originally recommended," he said.

"Any decision that will have such a big impact on the wider community must be based on evidence and not on the ideals of a single member of parliament."

Castle Hill RSL Club also backed the decision.

President Warren Glenny said that the constant negative poker-machine rhetoric from the government "had damaged many clubs' engagement with the community".

"Our good effect on the community shouldn't be lost," he said.

"We support a number of sporting clubs and provide key community facilities such as the C2K Fitness and Aquatic Centre."