In Queensland, lawmakers have decided to uphold a ban on gambling before 10am. As such, players will continue to have to wait until late morning before they begin playing pokies at clubs. The law was introduced in 2009 as a measure to reduce problem gambling in the state. It came into effect at the same time as liquor licensing laws which aimed to limit the number of venues that could serve alcohol in the morning.
At this time, the number of licensed premises that could serve before 10am was reduced from 1200 to 300. Premier Anna Bligh defended the move by stating that gambling and alcohol were ‘never intended for breakfast time’. Recently, the restriction was called into question. It was quickly shot down, as lawmakers continue to be concerned about alcohol-fuelled violence and problem gambling rates in the state.
Should the government remove the bans on drinking and gambling, it would allow revellers to begin indulging earlier and could see them going on long binges. By maintaining the ban, lawmakers can continue to reduce problem gambling rates and alcohol-fuelled violence.
A statement from the Premier reads: “I can advise the member and all members of the House that there is no intention to change that regulation and no licenses provided for pre-10am gaming in pubs and clubs since changes under the Bligh government.” There are few other states that have enacted similar restrictions on gambling.
In Queensland, this seems to be quite an effective form of reducing gambling harm, and it sets a positive example for other states. So, it may not be long before we see lawmakers in other locations adopting limits that restrict when players can
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