Plans considered for Fiji’s first casino resort

A proposal from the David Group Fiji casino project has been announced for a FJ$2bn construction project including a casino resort in Fiji.

According to the project’s head, Sandeep Singh, the first phase of development would include “a stand-alone casino and 1,000 luxury integrated 7-star hotel,” along with amenities including restaurants, conference rooms, a shopping mall and marina.

If approved, it is hoped that construction on the project can begin in 2026 in Southern Denarau or Wailoaloa in Nadi.

Unlike neighbouring countries such as Vanuatu and Samoa, Fiji currently has no casinos.

However, FBC reported (via Karryon) that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said that no casino licences would be issued in Fiji unless the coalition government develops a framework.

“We may have our views on this but it has to be treated very cautiously, taking into account all the stakeholders’ interests, particularly the social stakeholders in Fiji,” he said.

While Mr Singh said that he understood “a casino would provide the opportunity to diversify the Fijian tourism sector,” he clarified that the group would not even be buying land for the project until it had been granted a licence.