While problem gambling- or gambling addiction- is considered to be low-prevalence problem (i.e. it is estimated that around 1% of the adult population have a gambling problem), the ripple-effects spread to family, friends, and the workplace (Productivity Commission, 1999, 2010). Electronic gaming machines – or pokies – are currently responsible for the majority of gambling harm. Pressure from independent Senators (Nick Xenophon and Andrew Wilkie) led the previous Federal Government to introduce harm minimisation measures – most significantly mandatory pre-commitment. This led to a concerted and successful protest by the gambling industry – who objected to the scheme on civil liberties grounds (the ‘licence to punt’ campaign) and also highlighted the lack of evidence of the efficacy of pre-commitment in helping people with gambling problems. The recent change of Federal Government has ended the implementation of pre-commitment. Drawing on lessons from this policy failure (for the previous government) and campaign success (for industry), I will explore the possibilities of developing workable harm-minimisation and prevention programs to address problem gambling.