Jupiters Hotel & Casino

The Gold Coast’s premier casino and gaming destination is Jupiters Hotel and Casino. Jupiters represents Queensland’s first foray into the casino business and some would argue it is still Queensland’s most successful.

Jupiters first opened its doors in November 1985, as a dry run, until the official opening in February 1986. Since then Queenslanders have been journeying to Jupiters in droves.

Ownership of Jupiters has changed hands several times over the years after initially opening as Conrad Jupiters under the ownership of the Hilton group. From there ownership was taken over by Tabcorp and then Echo Entertainment who changed their name to Star Entertainment Group in 2015.

Jupiters is currently undergoing a $345 million redevelopment, which will include a six-star hotel, ahead of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Once these redevelopments are complete Jupiters will be a genuine international quality casino, able to hold its own against any of the extravagant casinos of Macau or even Las Vegas.

Casino Games on offer at Jupiters

Jupiters Hotel and Casino has an extensive range of more than 1600 pokies machines available to their guests.

As well as that, Jupiters has an extensive array of table games available to play too. Here is a list of the games you can find to have a punt on at Jupiters Hotel and Casino:

• Texas Hold ’em
• Texas Hold ’em Bonus
• Three card Poker
• Caribbean Stud Poker – optional $2.50 progressive jackpot
• Blackjack
• Blackjack Challenge – blackjack can pay up to 5-1
• Jupiters 21 – Regulation Australian Pontoon
• Craps
• Sic Bo
• Roulette
• Mini Baccarat
• Casino War
• The Wheel

Each table game will have a sign on it which explains that particular table’s minimum and maximum bets, odds and whatnot. So be sure to read the table signs carefully before sitting down for a bit of fun. Jupiters also holds regular poker tournaments like the WPPT. Check their site or in-house information area for details of upcoming tournaments and events.

Absolute Rewards

Signing up to Jupiters Absolute Rewards membership program is a great way to earn points when you play, stay, dine or drink. Those points can be traded for gifts, free meals, drinks or accommodation. You can earn discounts across all Star Entertainment venues too.

Being an Absolute Rewards member doesn’t pigeon hole you exclusively to Jupiters; you can also play and earn points at the other Star Entertainment casinos, such as Treasury Brisbane and The Star Sydney.

VIP Gaming

Jupiters has three distinct VIP gaming options available to their more extravagant, interstate or international guests. Bare in mind, these rooms are not available to the general public and are often by invitation only or if you have an Absolute Rewards card that is Pearl level or higher.

Access can sometimes be granted with a visitors pass if you have met certain spend requirements during your visit.

The three VIP rooms are:

• The Suite
• Sterling Suite
• The Club

Facilities

Jupiters Hotel and Casino isn’t just about pokies or the table games. There are also a great array of bars and restaurants available to indulge your every gastronomical delight. Bars available are:

• Garden Kitchen and Bar
• Kiyomi Bar
• Sports Bar
• Atrium Bar
• J Bar

Jupiters’ dining options range from a quick bite to several award winning restaurants.

• Kiyomi – multi award winning, hatted Japanese style restaurant.
• Cucina Vivo – Italian style restaurant.
• Garden Kitchen and Bar – Jupiters’ newest dining experience.
• Food Fantasy – the classic casino buffet.
• Zen – award winning Chinese restaurant.
• Bite – casual, quick dining option.

As well as that, Jupiters regularly offers live entertainment in their 2150 seated theatre. Check the Jupiters website or the in-house Absolute Rewards information desk for details on upcoming events.

Verdict

Queensland now has four active casinos, Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Gold Coast but it is still hard to beat the original and the best. Jupiters is the largest casino of the four and offers the best range of entertainment and dining options. It is easily accessed by public transport and has 100’s of car parks available, for a small fee, on site.