(smh)

The Australian government is considering the use of fingerprint technology in clubs to help track problem pokie players (gamblers).

But Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the system, suggested by Senator Nick Xenophon, is just one option to enforce mandatory pre-commitment limits.

"We'll be looking at the whole range of technology that could be used to meet the same pre-commitment," she told reporters in Canberra today.

"The Productivity Commission (inquiry into problem gambling) did not define which technology to use. That has to be the subject of inquiry and discussion."

Ms Gillard has promised to take action on problem gambling by 2014 in a deal struck with the anti-pokies campaigner, independent MP Andrew Wilkie.

Mr Wilkie and Senator Xenophon have been appointed to a parliamentary committee to work out the best course.

The options include smartcards to police daily limits for individuals and a USB stick bearing a gambler's fingerprints, also with a daily limit...
(more)

(file under, "first they came for the gamblers" - fc)