Federal Group
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The Federal Group owns and operates tourism and gambling businesses in Tasmania. It is also known as either Federal Hotels, or Federal Hotels and Resorts on websites. Its main property historically was the Wrest Point Casino - and over time it has developed further properties in Tasmania.
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[edit] Establishment
Tasmania's second referendum since formation of the state was in 1968 about the establishment of the Wrest Point Casino. The Premier Eric Reece was unable to sustain a clear majority in cabinet and consequently a referendum as taken on the issue of gambling in the state. The no vote of 35% was unable to meet the yes vote of 58%. As a result Tasmania was the first state in Australia to operate a casino.
[edit] Casinos
The Federal Group runs both Tasmanian casinos:
- Wrest Point Hotel Casino in Sandy Bay, Hobart - this was the first Casino in the southern hemisphere. There is 3 to 5 star accommodation available at Wrest Point. The Tower accommodation has the best views of the Hobart landscape. The Revolving Restaurant and Pier One Restaurant are located at Wrest Point. There are three large Poker machine floors in the casino, and several large convention centres.
- Country Club Casino in Prospect, Launceston - Golf course and small casino.
[edit] Tourist accommodation
- Strahan Village (Strahan, West coast)
- Freycinet Lodge (Coles Bay, East coast)
- Cradle Mountain Chateau (Cradle Mountain, Central Highlands) - new addition to Federal's portfolio.
[edit] Tourist railway
- West Coast Wilderness Railway between Strahan and Queenstown on the West coast was taken over after 2002.
[edit] Gambling
The Federal Group has a monopoly on all poker machines in Tasmania. These include all machines located in Federal owed hotels and casinos, and the popular Oasis poker machines (located in pubs and bars). There was a deal made with the Tasmanian Government to allow this, in which the Tasmanian Government collects a higher tax on these machines. The poker machines bring in the majority of Federal hotel's profit.
The group also Operates Tas Keno - this is now networked into pubs and clubs all over Tasmania and is operated electronically.
[edit] References
- Newman, Terry Referendums (p.304) in Alexander, Alison The Companion to Tasmanian History 2005 ISBN 1-86295-223-X
- Sutton, Keith Blueprint for the Casino industry : Federal Hotels and Wrest Point Canberra: K. Sutton, c1992 ISBN 0-646-10490-X
- National Library of Australia has a series of on-line photographs of Wrest Point taken in the 1960's of the interior decor.
