[5] In 1956, Federal bought its first Tasmanian business – the Wrest Point Riviera Hotel in Sandy Bay, Hobart.
During the late 1960s Federal initiated discussions with the Tasmanian Government about granting the Wrest Point Riviera Hotel Australia's first casino licence.
[5] The casino was initially conceived to address the seasonal nature of Tasmania’s tourism industry, designed to be an attraction that would entice visitors to the state all year round.
The expected boon to tourism also disappeared as the vast majority of the significant losses at the machines were Tasmanian residents.
[5] Architects modelled the style and interior design of Country Club on the stately homes of America’s south.
Former Chairman Greg Farrell senior had always admired the simple lines of the US Embassy building in Canberra and believed that the Georgian style would work well in the rural landscape of Launceston.
[14] It is estimated that clubs only take in 10-30% of all pokies losses, with the majority going to Federal Group, for which they pay a minimal amount to the government in taxes.
[15] The Liberal government also stated that they agree to the presence of the pokies but they will not necessarily grant those licences exclusively to Federal Group.
[16] In December 2017 the Labor Party opposition under its new leader, Rebecca White, announced that if elected they would phase out all poker machines from pubs and clubs by 2023.
[18] In response Federal Group attacked the plan as dangerous and that it would lead to job losses, and said they would stop donating to the Labor Party.