Pacific Pearl Advances Toward Papua New Guinea’s First Licensed Casino Opening

Papua New Guinea stands on the verge of opening its first casino, nearly two decades after the Gaming Control Act 2007 put a formal legal framework in place. The Pacific Pearl, a boutique venue on the water’s edge in the Paga Hill Special Economic Zone minutes from Port Moresby city center, has begun advertising for staff. The hope is to open later this year, subject to licensing.

A Chinese development company active in Paga Hill is the main investor. Fortuna Investments acts as co-investor and management firm. Tim Shepherd, Senior Partner at Fortuna, previously linked to the Tiger Palace in Nepal and gaming operations at Jade Club in Hanoi, voiced confidence in the license. Kevin Wilcocks, who worked with Fortuna at Tiger Palace and later at Big Daddy casinos in Goa, serves as General Manager on site in Port Moresby.

Targeting Three Distinct Markets

The venue will include a restaurant, around 100 gaming machines and 20 gaming tables, with VIP rooms focused on the city’s expat Chinese community. Shepherd told Inside Asian Gaming that locals form a solid base, as shown by the estimated 5,000 slot machines already operating in small venues nationwide. Australian and New Zealand expatriates tied to oil and gas work represent another segment, alongside Chinese patrons already interested in the VIP areas.

Prime Minister James Marape said in a 2024 statement that the government’s aim centers on attracting Asian visitors for whom gambling is popular recreation. Marape added that the licensed casino would curb affluent locals’ spending overseas in places such as Cairns, Brisbane, Singapore and Manila. He noted concerns over unregulated private gambling and the value of a legitimate outlet.

Expansion Horizons

Shepherd described the current scope as modest and not overstretched in Phase 1. He outlined plans for Phase 2 to be five times bigger, creating a NagaWorld-style tourist destination. Timing aligns with broader development in Port Moresby and the launch of the PNG Chiefs NRL franchise, set to become the league’s 19th team in 2028. PNG remains the only nation with rugby league as its national sport. A separate group has expressed interest in a floating casino vessel, though that effort sits some distance from reality.

The immediate step remains securing the license. Shepherd noted the partners’ years in country and readiness to demonstrate preparedness to government officials once stocked with products and staff.

Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming

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