The viability of all licensed clubs throughout New England is severely threatened by the impending mandatory pre-commitment legislation on poker machines.

The Nationals Duty Senator for New England John Williams accompanied by the Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs Senator Michael Ronaldson has met with representatives of the Wests Entertainment Group, Oxley Bowling Club and Uralla Bowling Club.

Senator Williams said the figures presented showing the impact of the proposed reforms were stark, and he and Senator Ronaldson were left in no doubt many smaller clubs would have to close and the larger ones would have to severely cut back their services.

"From the Oxley Bowling Club with 600 members and 14 poker machines, to the Wests Entertainment Group with 20,000 members and 219 machines, the story is the same. The costs of complying with the legislation and the resultant loss in revenue will send many to the wall.

The Wests Group would need to find $3 million to comply with a law that will cost them 40% of their annual revenue. Which bank would lend on that scenario?

Uralla Bowling Club employs 16 staff, spends $200,000 annually in the local community and has an annual wages bill of $450,000. This would leave a massive hole in the local community if the club was forced to close its doors.

All clubs would have to curtail or reduce sponsorships and community donations.

Licensed clubs in New England are under threat because Prime Minister Gillard was prepared to sell them out for the sake of one vote from Independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

The Coalition and the club industry supports voluntary pre-commitment programs, but not laws that will turn the nation into a nanny State.

Every member of every club needs to write to their local member voicing their concern with this legislation", Senator Williams said