It is not an issue in which there is a quick fix available and there is no getting past the fact that a love of taking a punt is part of the nation's psyche.

The ACT government's latest proposal to ban cash-out via eftpos machines in clubs is just the latest in a series of measures to aggressively target problem gamblers.

It comes after an investigation found clubs were bypassing the $250-a-day limit on ATM machines made in 2013 by installing eftpos machines.

The changes detailed in a letter to clubs this week were prompted by the experience of problem gambler Laurie Brown who lost $230,000 by exploiting this loophole.

While there are solid arguments for harm minimisation strategies there is also a view that this is not the best approach to take and that providing increased support to problem gamblers is a better bet.

The decision by Canberra Liberals MLA Mark Parton to share his personal story of gambling addiction brings an important voice to the continuing debate about the issue in the territory.

He decided to tell his story because he does not agree with the ACT government's focus on mitigation measures to deter problem gamblers and instead wants greater support for them.

"The only way you'll stop individual problem gamblers is to get them to a point where they acknowledge they have a problem and they rebel against it, they do something about it," he said.

Problem gambling is a large concern for the territory and it deserves serious attention from the whole community.

But it is hard to see a way forward with what appears to be reactionary policy that based on past experience in the territory, clubs and punters will be able to work around.