TASMANIAN independent MP Andrew Wilkie has ''reluctantly'' backed the government's watered-down poker machine reforms, ending months of speculation and negotiation.

Mr Wilkie said that, while the reforms were modest, they was the best thing on the table right now and were a step in the right direction.

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has ended months of speculation by announcing he will back the government's pokie reforms. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The government's watered-down bill will require all new poker machines to have precommitment technology from 2013, with all machines to have the technology from 2016. It will not be mandatory for players to use.

A trial of a scheme forcing punters to preset how much they are willing to lose will be held in the ACT, with plans for it to begin next year.