Rudd denies Clubs Australia anti-pokie reform promise

Claims overnight that Kevin Rudd agreed to kill off poker machine pre-commitment should he become prime minister threaten to undermine his tilt for the top job.

A statement from key lobby group Clubs Australia revealed by the Seven Network last night claimed they had met with an MP "close to Kevin Rudd" in November last year.

Last year The Power Index listed Clubs Australia CEO Anthony Ball as No. 6 on our Lobbyists power list and No.9 on our Sydney power list. Part of Ball's power came from his ability to intimidate NSW Labor MPs by saying pokie reform could cost them their seat.

"Clubs Australia did meet with an MP close to Kevin Rudd in late November which was specifically to discuss the issue of mandatory pre-commitment," Clubs Australia spokesman Jeremy Bath said yesterday.

"It was made clear at that meeting that Kevin Rudd was sympathetic to the concerns of clubs and as Prime Minister he would kill mandatory pre-commitment.

Rudd has categorically denied the claims, with a spokesperson describing them as "entirely untrue".

"The Foreign Minister has never asked any MP to speak to Clubs Australia at any time on any matter relating to poker machines," a spokesperson told AAP.

"The Minister would consider the publishing of such a claim as defamation, and would take action accordingly."