Wrest Point Casino guide & review

Wrest Point Casino, sometimes referred to as Hobart Casino, is a Tasmanian gambling venue and one of two that feature tables games in the island state. Wrest Point Casino has been active for over 40 years and features accommodation, bars and restaurants, entertainment and of course casino gaming.

Wrest Point Casino has established itself as one of the go-to entertainment complexes in Tasmania, even if you are not enamoured with gambling or pokies. The fact the venue also has some great musical acts and plays on most nights, on top of first-rate dining, means there really is something for everyone.

From a gambling perspective, Wrest Point Casino is Tasmania’s no.1 casino, with more games and variations of these casino games, than the Country Club Casino in Launceston. The casino games include hundreds of pokies and some great table game action, including all of the standards such as blackjack, roulette and poker.

Our guide and review of Wrest Point Casino will run you through all aspects of this Hobart gambling venue.

Wrest Point Casino games

The casino games selection at Wrest Point includes hundreds of pokies, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Pontoon, Big Wheel, Rapid Roulette and poker. Unfortunately poker has been shut down and remains closed in the early months of 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wrest Point Casino has the “Federal” range of casino games, which are essentially Federal Casino Group’s very own twists on classic games. The Federal range of casino games has been approved by the Tasmanian government and follow the same rules as standard games, barring several twists.

Wrest Point Casino has more than 650 electronic games, with many of these being pokies. These electronic games are constantly being upgraded, so you can rest assured you will find the newest pokies and creations from gambling developers. The features of these electronic games include cashless play, where you can charge up an ID card and use it in place of cash, and linked machines, where you are playing for large jackpots.

Blackjack and poker tournaments are also common-place at Wrest Point Casino, with these essentially pitting you against other players at the casino. They are a great way to increase the amount you can win from a smaller bankroll.

Wrest Point Casino also runs an outstanding VIP Loyalty Program that can net you some great prizes and incentives, while they also have other promotions running at any given time.

Wrest Point Casino accommodation

Wrest Point Casino has several different accommodation options for those looking to stay at the venue, including the Wrest Point Tower, Water Edge and the Motor Inn.

The Wrest Point Hotel is a 4.5-star venue and is the top option for those looking for luxury at the casino, and potentially sits as some of the best accommodation in Hobart.

The Water Edge accommodation is as it sounds – right on the water’s edge. It features several different options and ranks as 4 stars, but is significantly cheaper than staying at the Wrest Point Hotel.

If you are on a budget, the 3-star Motor Inn provides you a cost-effective option, which is extremely affordable and puts you in a position to use all the facilities of the Wrest Point complex.

Wrest Point Casino history

Wrest Point Hotel Casino holds a unique place in gambling history as Australia’s first legal casino. It opened in February 1973 on the banks of the River Derwent in Hobart, following legislative change by the Tasmanian Government aimed at boosting tourism and state revenue. The project was driven by Greek-Australian entrepreneur Federico “Fred” Packer, who secured the licence through Federal Group, a company that continues to own and operate Wrest Point today.

The original complex included a casino floor and hotel, but its most recognisable feature — the striking 17-storey hotel tower — was completed in 1974 and quickly became a Hobart landmark. Wrest Point effectively operated as Tasmania’s sole casino for decades, enjoying a state-sanctioned monopoly that later expanded to include Country Club Casino in Launceston, also owned by Federal Group. This exclusivity was designed to keep gambling tightly regulated while ensuring economic benefits remained local.

While Wrest Point has largely avoided the large-scale money laundering scandals seen on the Australian mainland, it has not been without controversy. In recent years the Tasmanian Government has reviewed casino licence arrangements amid public debate over poker machine harm, licence extensions, and regulatory oversight. Federal Group has faced criticism over lobbying efforts and the long-term extension of its exclusive casino and gaming machine rights.

Despite these debates, Wrest Point remains a cornerstone of Tasmania’s hospitality sector, blending casino gaming, accommodation and entertainment with an important place in Australia’s gambling history.

Wrest Point Casino Q and A

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Wrest Point Casino review verdict

Also read: Casinos in Australia

Wrest Point Casino is the only gambling venue in the Hobart area, with Federal Casino group holding a monopoly over pokies rights in the state. Wrest Point Casino truly has something for everyone, with some first-class gambling options, including upwards of 600 pokies the obvious highlight. For those interested in fine dining or culinary treats, you won’t be disappointed with some great restaurants and bars. Overall, if you are in the Hobart region, the Wrest Point Casino is definitely worth a visit.