David Group, a junket operator & investment firm based in Macau, has announced plans to invest a significant amount of FJ$2 billion (approximately US$900 million) in a casino & hotel resort development project in Fiji. The gambling-friendly project is expected to launch sometime in the year 2026, pending approval from concerned authorities. The project will be completed in two stages, with the initial phase to cost the company FJ$1 billion (approx. US$450 million). In the initial phase, the company will develop a stand-alone casino and a 1000-room luxury integrated 7-star hotel, complete with multiple restaurants, conference rooms, a large business center, a shopping mall, in addition to essential infrastructure. The second phase, which is also expected to cost FJ$1 billion, will encompass a Disney-style amusement park, an indoor rugby stadium, a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, and a luxury subdivision.

The project aligns with the Fijian government’s policy to support the private sector in improving the domestic economy and increasing service exports. Furthermore, it is anticipated to boost foreign visits, diversify the tourism sector, and attract more tourists, especially from China, even though casino tourism isn’t currently a prominent feature in Fiji.

The project is expected to provide employment opportunities for more than 600 people from the local community. However, the facility will reportedly not be open to local visitors. There will be strict security protocols in place to sustain this requirement.

If approved by relevant authorities, the development will like commence operations in 2026, with the specific location yet to be finalized. Locations like Southern Denarau or Wailoaloa in Nadi are reportedly being considered by the developers. However, the lack of a license id currently preventing the developers from finalizing the land acquisition. The government of Fiji remains cautious about the gambling-friendly project, emphasizing its adherence to the country’s strict gambling license rules and regulations.

Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister (PM) of Fiji, recently stated, “We may have our views on this but it has to be treated very cautiously taking into account all the stakeholders’ interest particularly the social stakeholders in Fiji.”

Fiji has experienced a captivating uptick in foreign visits, notably with Australian arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels for more than a year. However, as Fiji contemplates the prospect of introducing casino and resort developments, meticulous attention and strict adherence to regulations will be of utmost importance.