Claims that clubs are enabling problem gamblers to circumvent ATM cash restrictions will be investigated by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.

A $250 per day withdrawal limit currently operates on ATMs located in clubs across Canberra to reduce losses by problem gamblers.

But in an interview with ABC Radio Canberra, recovering problem gambler Laurie said eftpos machines in clubs had enabled her to take out amounts well above that figure.

Thousands each night

ACT clubs have previously defended the availability of across-the-counter money withdrawal services, claiming interaction with staff to withdraw cash would limit problem gamblers.

"I gambled over something like an 18-month period and I was gambling thousands of dollars a night and at no time did anyone ever intervene," Laurie told ABC Radio Canberra Breakfast presenter Dan Bourchier.

"Why did no-one intervene? It's because it's a business model and they need my money.

"And because it was an addiction, I needed that external control."

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Laurie said she and other problem gamblers would regularly spend up to six hours in front of poker machines.

"I have put a significant amount of money through pokie machines," she said.

"Most recently at one particular club I'd go and spend hours late at night and into the early hours of the morning.

"I didn't have the capacity, because it's an addiction, to be able to stop that.

"There are rules and regulations, but no enforcement and implementation of those codes of practice."

A time bomb waiting to explode

It was not until Laurie's bank contacted her husband that she was forced to acknowledge her gambling problem.

"It was sort of like a time bomb waiting to explode — and it did," she said.

"When you're an addictive compulsive gambler, you basically end up having two personalities: the gambling personality which is usually secretive … then you have your normal life.

"You try to continue your normal life as if nothing is happening, as if you haven't taken money out of joint accounts, money that was put aside for other purposes, retirement savings, whatever.

"It leads to an enormous emotional toll.

"My relationship nearly split up and I did separate for a short period of time with my partner; he's been incredibly supportive but emotionally harmed by this."

Laurie lost much of her life savings, put a huge strain on her relationship and risked losing everything she owned.

ACT Attorney-General and Gambling Minister Gordon Ramsay said some of the claims made by Laurie would be investigated by gaming and racing authorities.

"I'd like to see a good consultation with the clubs and with people who are affected by problem gambling," he said.