The state of Queensland, Australia, wants to cut back on hours of non-casino gaming clubs.

The state’s almost 130 pubs and clubs with slot machines are operating at least 19.5 hours a day. Most of the clubs are licensed to serve alcohol from 8 a.m. until 3:30 a.m. with some serving as late as 5:30 a.m. Gambling is permitted during hours when alcohol is served.

The Courier-Mail quotes Treasurer Andrew Fraser, the minister in charge of liquor licensing, as saying, “We don’t believe the community supports drinking or gambling before breakfast.”

Laws introduced in Parliament this month would greatly reduce the operating hours of slot machines outside of casinos.

The new licensing system would set standard hours for serving alcohol at 10 a.m. to midnight.

Special “Elevated Risk Permits” would be available in two categories, for serving alcohol between midnight and 3 a.m. and for serving from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.