Papua New Guinea is moving closer to opening its first land-based casino, nearly 20 years after the country introduced a formal legal framework for the sector under the Gaming Control Act 2007.
Pacific Pearl, a waterfront development in the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone near Port Moresby, is preparing for a possible opening later this year and has begun advertising for staff. The casino must still obtain a license before operations can begin.
The first phase is expected to include around 100 gaming machines, 20 gaming tables, several VIP rooms and a restaurant. The Chinese expatriate community in Port Moresby is expected to be one of the main customer groups, alongside local players and Australian and New Zealand expatriates working in Papua New Guinea, particularly those employed in the oil and gas sector.
The project is primarily backed by a Chinese development company involved in Paga Hill, while Fortuna Investments is a co-investor and will manage the casino. Fortuna Investments has expressed confidence that the required license will be secured and has experience in gaming markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including Tiger Palace in Nepal and Jade Club in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Although Papua New Guinea has had casino legislation since 2007, no casino has become operational. The first proposal emerged in 2021 but faced strong opposition from churches and community groups over concerns about addiction and social harm. Economic constraints and regulatory caution also contributed to delays in implementation.
The local market already has experience with gaming. An estimated 5,000 slot machines operate at smaller venues across the country, while racing is also established among local players.
Construction of Pacific Pearl began in 2024, when Prime Minister James Marape also discussed the development. Marape said the government was focused on attracting international visitors and residents, including Asian visitors for whom gambling is a popular recreational activity.
He also said a licensed casino could provide a regulated venue amid concerns about unregulated casino-style gambling in private settings. The government expects the casino to help reduce overseas gambling spending by affluent Papua New Guineans who currently travel to destinations including Cairns, Brisbane, Singapore and Manila.
The project is also progressing alongside wider development in Port Moresby and the planned arrival of the PNG Chiefs in the National Rugby League in 2028. The franchise is set to become the competition’s 19th team.
Separately, another group is reportedly considering operating a casino on a floating vessel off the coast of Papua New Guinea. That project remains at an earlier stage and is not yet close to becoming operational.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/08/31/126139-papua-new-guinea-advances-toward-launch-of-pacific-pearl-its-first-landbased-casino
