The Victorian Government has been forced to pulp pamphlets aimed at problem gamblers which directed them to a phone line encouraging them to bet.

The pamphlet for people who want to exclude themselves from gaming venues directs callers to a TAB hotline, where gambling products are promoted.

Victorian Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien says it was an oversight.

"The telephone number that was used for self exclusion was the Tabcorp customer service number," he said.

"It is possible to access self-exclusion services from that general number, but the Victorian Government believes, and Tabcorp and Gambler's Help also agree, that it's far better if the distinct self-exclusion number is used in the future."

The bungle comes as the State Government announces it has decided to delay the introduction of pre-commitment technology for poker machines.

The Government promised before the last election to introduce voluntary pre-commitment by 2013, giving punters the option to set a gambling limit.

But Mr O'Brien says the plan is being delayed until 2016 because confusion around the Federal Government's plans for mandatory pre-commitment would make it too complicated.

"There's the risk that that may be incompatible with what the Federal Government requires," he said.

He says the Victorian Government is committed to introducing voluntary limits.

"We believe that every gaming machine in this state should have pre-commitment on it, we think that's an option that is there for every single player who wants to track their expenditure, help set themselves limits," he said.

"We think that will lead to a much more responsible gambling industry and that's what we want to see here in Victoria and that's what we thing the community wants to see as well."

The move has angered anti-pokies campaigner, Tim Costello, who says the Government is making excuses for doing nothing.

"Proof again of the utter capture of state governments' by the gambling lobby," he said.